Social media usage in india is on the rise, but is it all sunshine and rainbows? As data usage becomes more affordable, the spread of fake news and manipulation on social media platforms is becoming a growing concern. Stay tuned for our upcoming data note to learn more about this important issue.
In 2020, the number of social media users in India was 376.1 million and is expected to cross 448 million by 2023. On average, Indian users spent 2.4 hours on social media, in line with the global average. Facebook is the most used social media platform in India, with around 86% traffic. Instagram and YouTube are far behind Facebook, with 5% traffic on Instagram and 3.2% traffic on YouTube.
ALSO READ
Think twice before casually using a thumbs-up emoji!
Rising usage in India can largely be attributed to the falling cost of data usage. However, this increased usage has also led to concerns about the spread of fake news and misinformation. About three out of five Indian social media users felt that the usage of social media has made it easier to manipulate people with fake news.
As social media continues to grow in popularity in India, it’s important for users to be aware of the potential negative consequences and to use these platforms responsibly.
We strive to make a lasting impact on India’s policy and planning landscape through fair, unbiased, and incisive research based journalism.
But we can’t do it alone.
Together, we can create a better India, where policies are fair, planning is unbiased, and the truth prevails. Your contribution matters, and we shall be immensely grateful for your support.