Section Article

Digital Tribalism: The Formation of Online Subcultures and Their Impact on Social Cohesion
Author(s): Anoop Raj Tiwari

Abstract
The rise of digital technologies has redefined the way communities form and interact leading to the emergence of digital tribalism—a phenomenon where online subcultures develop based on shared interests beliefs and ideologies. While these digital tribes create a sense of belonging and identity among members they also present challenges to social cohesion by fostering ideological echo chambers political polarization and social fragmentation. This study examines how online subcultures form the psychological and sociological factors that drive digital tribalism and its implications for broader society. Drawing from a multidisciplinary approach that includes communication studies psychology and digital anthropology the research highlights how digital platforms facilitate both the empowerment and division of communities. The findings reveal that while online tribes offer individuals a sense of validation and social connection they can also reinforce confirmation bias limit exposure to diverse perspectives and contribute to the erosion of shared societal values. This paper explores possible strategies to mitigate the negative effects of digital tribalism emphasizing the role of digital literacy platform design and ethical moderation in fostering more inclusive online interactions. Ultimately this study calls for a nuanced understanding of how online communities shape human behavior and the need for proactive approaches to maintaining social cohesion in the digital age.