In an era where attention spans are shorter than a TikTok clip, the Twitterfication of governance has become a phenomenon. Politicians, armed with smartphones and an inflated sense of self-importance, are now running governments, not from the halls of parliament or assemblies but from the chaos of social media. Whether it’s a policy announcement squished into 280 characters or an international spat playing out in public view, social media has redefined political discourse – and not necessarily for the better. More often than not for the worst meeting its ugliest ends.

The Rise of Social Media Statesmanship

Gone are the days when statesmanship required measured thought and careful articulation. Today, diplomacy is done with hashtags, and legislation is debated through viral memes. Leaders tweet and retweet, often bypassing traditional channels of governance and scrutiny. While this may appear as a democratization of information, what it often creates is a toxic cocktail of sensationalism, miscommunication, and bickering.

Consider the infamous spats between ruling and opposition party members, where Twitter becomes a digital wrestling ring. It’s not unusual for a leader’s tweet to spark outrage, rebuttals, and counterclaims – all in real-time. These interactions often serve no purpose other than generating headlines and likes, distracting from the real issues that require thoughtful deliberation and governance.

Social Media: From Transparency to Tumult

The argument often put forth by social media’s advocates in governance is that it increases transparency. Indeed, platforms like Twitter and Facebook allow politicians to communicate directly with citizens without the traditional filters of media outlets. However, this direct line of........

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