The Digital Public Sphere and Epistemic Justice: A Sociological Analysis of Algorithm-Driven News Consumption and Its Impact on Political Opinions Among Young Indians

This study examines how algorithmic content curation influences the formation and distribution of political knowledge and opinions among Indian university students, addressing the theme of political socialization in the digital age. We investigate how algorithm-driven content curation acts as a new agent of socialization for young Indians, potentially complementing or supplanting traditional agents like family and educational institutions. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including surveys (n = 800), in-depth interviews (n = 50), and content analysis across social media platforms, we explore the emergence of digital tribes, the reinforcement of echo chambers, and their implications for political socialization. This approach allows us to examine how digital ecosystems contribute to the formation of political beliefs and attitudes among youth, impacting their preparation for citizenship and democratic participation. Our research is underpinned by a Digital Sociological framework, incorporating theories such as the Social Construction of Technology and Network Society Theory. This foundation helps analyze how algorithmic curation is becoming a new social institution with significant implications for power dynamics, epistemic justice, and gatekeeping in the digital public sphere. By examining this phenomenon through a digital sociological lens, we aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between technology, society, and political discourse in the 21st century. Our findings offer insights into how younger generations acquire political knowledge in an era of algorithmic content curation, contributing to discussions about evolving political socialization in the face of global digital transformations. This research not only illuminates the Indian context but also offers a methodological approach adaptable to other global contexts, addressing challenges that rapid technological changes pose to our understanding of political socialization processes, particularly considering generational differences in media consumption