Gandhi in the age of Social Media: Digital Activism, Misinformation and the challenge of Peaceful Resistance in Online Spaces

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance has influenced global movements for over a century. However, in today's digital era, his principles encounter unique challenges. This paper explores how Gandhi's core ideas of Satyagraha, ahimsa, and moral persuasion translate to social media activism while facing issues like algorithmic amplification, misinformation, polarisation, and digital violence. By analysing contemporary movements and case studies, it argues that while Gandhi's ideas remain relevant for digital activism, they must be adapted to tackle the specific challenges of online spaces. The conflict between Gandhi's focus on truth and the engagement-driven nature of algorithms creates a critical dilemma for modern activists. This paper examines both the opportunities and limitations of Gandhian nonviolence in a world where algorithms influence discourse, misinformation spreads rapidly, and peaceful movements are exposed to new kinds of digital violence.