Shaping Public Opinion: The Role of Social Media in Muslim Women’s Empowerment in Uttar Pradesh

This study employs Paulo Freire's critical consciousness theory to examine the relationship between Muslim women and social media in shaping public opinion in India. It investigates how digital engagement promotes awareness, amplifies marginalized voices, and contributes to social empowerment. A survey conducted in Uttar Pradesh reveals a positive correlation between social media engagement and empowerment, particularly in shaping public narratives. The findings indicate that passive consumption of social media content raises awareness of important socio-political issues, while active engagement promotes social networks and challenges dominant discourses. Moreover, content creation increases visibility but does not always translate into influence over public opinion or social capital. However, structural barriers, such as limited Internet access, socio-cultural restrictions, and digital literacy gaps, hinder more participation, particularly among rural and underprivileged women. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of social media engagement and contributes to the development of interventions that aim to increase digital access, promote inclusive participation, and foster social change. It highlights the transformative potential of social media in promoting critical consciousness and collective action by emphasizing the need for policy initiatives to address digital inequalities and enhance women’s agency in public discourse.