In today’s digital age, populism no longer relies solely on rallies, posters, or radio speeches. It thrives online, on social media timelines, encrypted messaging apps, livestreams, and viral videos. The internet has become a powerful political arena, one where emotions often travel faster than facts and where misinformation can shape public opinion long before the truth catches up. At its core, populism claims to speak for “the people” against a corrupt elite. While this framing can sometimes highlight real social grievances, in the digital era it is increasingly fueled by misinformation, disinformation, and simplified narratives that reduce complex realities into shareable slogans. The result is a digital ecosystem where fear, anger, and resentment are easily weaponized,and where women, girls, and marginalized communities often bear the greatest harm. The Digital Amplification of Populism Social media platforms were designed to maximize engagement, not accuracy. Algorithms rewa...
Shetechtive Uganda blog is about issues at the intersection of cyberspace , human rights and global security