Recent studies have found that users believe social media can have a positive impact in Afghanistan. Surveys developed by Afghan-German Cooperation and ATR Consulting have discovered that social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube are becoming increasingly influential in Afghan society.
More than 1,100 participants were surveyed for the study, reigning from the capital Kabul, to the widespread of the six-northeastern provinces Balkh, Badakhshan, Baghlan, Kunduz, Takhar and Samangan. Since the amount of people who have internet access in Afghanistan is very little, ATR recognizes the turnout of participants to be a successful one. According to Wasdam Business News Portal, in 2013 only 12% of Afghans have access to the internet. Based on the survey, participants claim that these social networks keep them conveniently informed about news and events. Also, politicians have been found to be at advantage due to social networks. Politicians and members of the general public both agreed that social media had a positive impact on the 2014 presidential election. Facebook and Twitter have been key in giving citizens the chance to communicate with political figures. Adela Raz, deputy spokesperson to President Hamid Karzai, spoke on how the Afghan government uses social media. According to Raz, the presidential office’s Facebook page has over 30,000 fan followers who are highly active and prompt in sending feedback and comments.
Journalist may be the biggest winners of the social media innovation. Journalist have the potential to use social media tools to communicate with politicians and members of parliament, collecting information and spreading it to a wider audience without stepping outside. Due to the increase in violence on journalists by the Afghan government, this change can be big. A lot of lives can be left out of danger since journalist will be able to collect and report information without stepping foot outside. According to the Nai.org Media Group, there were 52 reports of violence against journalist ranging from physical to verbal threats. Since 2001, there have been a total of 517 reported incidents with journalists. With the active use of social media rising, this can potentially bring down the violence rate greatly. Woman are also beginning to see positive outcomes from social networking since they now can spread awareness on woman's rights on a larger and faster scale.
Social network means more to Afghan citizens than just entertainment. Social media makes it easier for everyone to become more politically aware and active. Websites like ATR Consulting and Nai.org are able to reach their following through social networks and update them with the latest news on subjects such as brutality against journalists or the latest social media upgrade. Social media is helping voices be heard in Afghanistan. The next step to the development of social media is to increase the amount of users. If internet access can become more convenient for Afghan citizens, you may see a big change in the government, bridging the gap between itself and the citizens.