Section Article

Political Discourse in Micro-Influencer Networks: A New Dimension of Social Media Politics
Author(s): Parveen Parmar

Abstract
Social media has become a dominant force in shaping political discourse influencing public opinion and mobilizing digital activism. While much of the focus has been on macro-influencers and mainstream media figures micro-influencers—those with smaller but highly engaged audiences—are emerging as key players in political communication. This research explores the growing role of micro-influencers in shaping political narratives analyzing their impact on voter behavior ideological polarization and grassroots movements. Using a combination of case studies network analysis and qualitative interviews with content creators and political analysts this study examines how micro-influencers engage with political topics build trust with niche audiences and contribute to the decentralization of political discourse. The findings reveal that while micro-influencers democratize political engagement and amplify diverse voices they also present challenges such as misinformation echo chambers and algorithm-driven bias. The study underscores the importance of media literacy ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks to ensure that the political discourse in micro-influencer networks contributes positively to democratic participation rather than deepening societal divisions. By understanding the mechanisms behind political engagement in these digital spaces this research highlights how social media politics is evolving in an era where everyday individuals wield increasing influence over public opinion.