Memes, AI and Social Media are New Weapons of Lok Sabha Election War Rooms as parties hiring digital ad firms
Abdullah Salam,
NEW DELHI: Election war rooms and campaigning have been drastically transformed by the advent of memes, artificial intelligence, visuals, cartoons, and social media platforms, turning them into the digital frontline of the electoral battleground in India’s ongoing Lok Sabha election.
In the bustling metropolises and remote villages that span India’s vast landscape, a new battleground has emerged – one where bytes and ballots collide. As the nation gears up for the high-stakes the general elections, political parties are harnessing the power of digital tools, transforming memes, social media platforms, and even artificial intelligence into potent weapons of influence.
From the heart of Delhi to the far-flung corners of the country, the digital sphere has become an arena where narratives are crafted, perceptions are shaped, and votes are swayed. In this ever-evolving landscape, a new breed of political operatives has risen – digital strategists adept at navigating the intricate web of online discourse.
In Delhi, from the bustling locality of Laxmi Nagar, Selampur, Jamia Nagar and Abul Fazal, Shaheen Bagh to the posh area like Lutyens Zone, South Ex. Delhi, individuals from diverse backgrounds find themselves engaged with political memes, shaping perceptions and discourse in the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections. Abdul Haq, an 75-years-old retiree, finds amusement in political memes despite his fading eyesight, while Saad Rahman, a twenty-two-year-old student, admits to a newfound interest in political figures spurred by Rahul Gandhi and his Bharat Jodo Yatra. Political parties deploy a digital tools, including memes, to wield influence and shape public opinion.
At the forefront of this digital onslaught are memes – those bite-sized, shareable nuggets of humour and socio-political commentary that have become the currency of the modern internet age. Political parties have recognized the viral potential of these digital memes, meticulously crafting them to resonate with the masses and spread like wildfire across social media platforms.
One such meme, a reel posted on the Congress party’s official Instagram handle, exemplifies the art of rapid-response memetics. Crafted swiftly in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s allegations against Rahul Gandhi, the reel depicted a fictional fallout between the two leaders, capturing the imagination of the youth with its relatable language and timely relevance.
Yet, not every meme achieves viral stardom. Faisal, a comic writer affiliated with Inclusive Minds, a political consultancy linked to the Congress, acknowledges the hit-or-miss nature of meme creation. While some attempts fall flat, others, like the song “Chor” featuring Modi’s digital likeness, strike a chord with the audience, blending humor with political messaging seamlessly.
Across the aisle, the BJP has embraced unconventional tactics, integrating elements like ‘Pepe the Frog’ into their digital discourse – a move that garnered attention and sparked debates. Prime Minister Modi’s animated dance video served as a counter to opposition rhetoric, showcasing the versatility of memes in shaping public perception.
Meme creation, however, transcends party affiliations, with independent contractors and individuals contributing to the digital landscape. A BJP-affiliated strategist, speaking anonymously, highlights the party’s receptivity to external talent, fostering a collaborative environment where innovative ideas thrive.
Beyond memes, social media platforms have become the battleground where these digital artifacts are disseminated and amplified. WhatsApp, in particular, has emerged as a crucial channel, where memes are circulated among party cadres and supporters, cascading through networks of influencers and community leaders.
Harnessing the power of targeted dissemination, political advertisers leverage geo-tagging and bulk messaging to amplify meme content, ensuring maximum visibility among potential voters. Companies like Chunav Chanakya, a leading provider of digital marketing services and election campaigning, have professionalized the creation of memes, visuals, and cartoons for political parties.
But the digital arsenal extends beyond memes and social media. Artificial intelligence (AI) has made its foray into the electoral arena, with political parties exploring its potential for data analysis, targeted messaging, and even content creation.
One such application is the use of AI-powered chatbots, programmed to engage with voters, address their concerns, and disseminate party messaging. These virtual assistants operate round-the-clock, providing a constant presence in the digital realm and serving as a conduit for information and engagement.
AI is also being leveraged to analyze vast troves of data, from social media sentiment to demographic trends, enabling parties to craft highly targeted campaigns tailored to specific voter segments. Machine learning algorithms sift through this data, identifying patterns and insights that inform strategic decision-making.
Moreover, AI-driven content generation tools are being explored, with the potential to create personalized messages, visuals, and even memes at scale, further amplifying the reach and impact of digital campaigning efforts.
As the digital battleground continues to evolve, concerns have been raised about the ethical implications of these technologies. Experts caution against the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and targeted manipulation, urging parties and regulatory bodies to establish safeguards and guidelines to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Yet, the genie is out of the bottle, and the fusion of technology and politics is an inescapable reality. As India’s electorate becomes increasingly digitally literate, the ability to navigate this digital landscape will be a crucial determinant of electoral success.
In this ever-evolving digital age, the battle for hearts and minds is being waged not just on the campaign trail but also in the virtual realm, where memes, bytes, and ballots collide. And as the nation heads to the polls, the outcome may very well hinge on the deft wielding of these digital tools, shaping the narrative and swaying the collective consciousness of a nation poised at the cusp of a new era.