Facebook’s Role in Post-Coup Myanmar: An Analysis of Social Media’s Impact on Democratic Movements and Polarized Identity Politics

Myat The Thitsar, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Massachusetts Lowell, and the Co-founder and the Research Director of Nyan Corridor (Formerly known as EMReF www.emref.org)

This research investigates Facebook’s role in Myanmar’s polarized post-coup environment, where the platform serves as both a battleground for conflicting factions and a tool for democratic engagement. It explores how the military exploits Facebook for surveillance and propaganda, while resistance movements leverage it for unity and mobilization. The study also examines Facebook’s policy shifts towards supporting democratic movements, influenced by its interactions with local civil society and international allies, despite challenges in moderating hate speech and misinformation. Through this lens, the research highlights the intricate relationship between social media, political identity, and digital governance, revealing the dual potential of tech giants to influence political dynamics and governance processes in crisis contexts. This synthesis underscores the critical role of digital platforms in shaping political landscapes and the importance of responsible management and collaborative governance efforts in ensuring the integrity of digital spaces during political upheavals.