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@article{169923,
        author = {Hassina Jamiel},
        title = {Social Media Usage among Tribal Communities: A Study of Pir Panjal belt in Jammu and Kashmir},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2024},
        volume = {11},
        number = {6},
        pages = {2286-2293},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=169923},
        abstract = {The Pir Panjal region of Jammu and Kashmir encompasses a rich tapestry of tribal communities, notably the Gujjars, Bakarwals, and Paharis; however, this study specifically concentrates on the Gujjar and Bakarwal populations. Historically, these communities have faced socio-geographical barriers, resulting in their marginalization. A widely held perception within these groups is that they are systematically excluded from socioeconomic advancements due to entrenched social hierarchies. In the contemporary digital age, the pervasive reach of social media and internet technologies has reshaped the social, economic, and cultural dynamics on a global scale. This study seeks to critically analyze the engagement of tribal communities in the Pir Panjal region with social media by examining the accessibility, functionality, availability, and usage patterns of these platforms.
The researcher adopted a rigorous mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and subsequently administered surveys using structured questionnaires to ensure comprehensive data collection. Findings indicate that social media is primarily used for education, communication, and information. The study revealed that younger tribal members actively participate in sociopolitical discourse, cultural narrative sharing, and Peer networking on these platforms. Despite concerns over digital literacy, privacy, and misinformation, social media has empowered these communities by promoting activism, preserving cultural heritage, and expanding economic opportunities.},
        keywords = {Social Media, Tribal Communities, Pir Panjal, Accessibility, Purpose, consumption, and Challenges},
        month = {November},
        }