Social Media as a Primary Source of Information in India and Iraq: A Study

In an increasingly computerized world, social media has evolved into a key source of information, threatening the traditional dominance of print and broadcast media. This study undertakes a comparative investigation of how individuals in India and Iraq—two culturally unique yet digitally active nations—engage with social media for news and information. Drawing on responses from 600 persons aged 20 to 40 years (300 from each nation), the research evaluates platform preferences, credibility assessments, frequency of use, and the larger influence of social media on public opinion. Using a structured questionnaire and descriptive statistical tools, the study demonstrates that while both groups substantially rely on social networks such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, variations exist in platform trust and content verification practices. Iraqi users demonstrate a larger dependency on social media due to restricted traditional media, but Indian users display platform diversity and higher digital knowledge.