How Social Media and Contemporary Language are Shaping Political Messaging in India

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How Social Media and Contemporary Language are Shaping Political Messaging in India

## Social Media and Political Messaging in India

Social media has become a powerful tool for politicians in India to connect with voters, especially young people. Political parties are adopting dynamic messaging strategies on platforms like YouTube, tailoring their vocabulary to engage the youth.

One example is the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) song "Vote for GOAT," which uses contemporary terms like "GOAT" (greatest of all time), "OG" (original gangster), and "YOLO" (you only live once) to appeal to first-time voters.

Experts believe this strategy is effective because a significant portion of India's eligible voters are under 30 years old. This age group is more likely to be influenced by social media and mobile phone communication, making it crucial for politicians to use language familiar to them.

As this generation ages, experts predict that the use of such language will become even more prevalent in Indian politics. This suggests that the language of politics in India is set to evolve alongside its electorate.