[Commlist] CFP Pramana Conference :Digital Democracies: Intersections of Influence, Consumption, Culture and Identity in South Asia

CFP:  Pramana International Conference, Third Edition

Theme: Digital Democracies: Intersections of Influence, Consumption, 
Culture and Identity in South Asia

Date: 2-3 February 2025, SIU Lavale Campus, Pune, Maharashtra, India


Organisers: Symbiosis Centre for Media and Communication (SCMC), 
Symbiosis International (Deemed University)

Abstract:
The South Asian region, home to one of the world's largest populations, 
has experienced a rapid digital transformation over the past decade. 
This shift, experienced across countries with shared historical and 
cultural ties, has not only redefined politics, media access, and civic 
engagement but has also empowered individuals and communities. It has 
significantly reshaped social and cultural identities, religiosity and 
awareness of rights while simultaneously fostering the rise of a 
pervasive influencer economy.

This era of "digital democracies" has been characterized by 
unprecedented access to information, the proliferation of social media 
platforms and the rise of digital activism. The affordable internet has 
given millions access to digital content, reshaping how identities of 
people and communities are formed and maintained, thereby deepening the 
processes of democratization, both positively and negatively. Digital 
and social platforms have emerged as influential tools for shaping 
personal and institutional brands, as well as driving political and 
cultural influence.

Influencers across South Asia are often first-generation public 
communicators with formidable fan bases. Many have acquired 
micro-celebrity status by creating and sharing content that resonates 
with niche communities. This rise of the micro-celebrity, both with 
narrow and pluralistic views and personal and ideological frames, can 
make them significant political, social and cultural game changers. The 
general elections in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India (all coincidentally 
held in 2024) showcased the formidable influence of digital media on the 
democratic processes.

Representing diverse identities within influencer culture is another 
critical area of exploration. While digital platforms offer 
opportunities for underrepresented groups to gain visibility, they also 
reflect and sometimes exacerbate existing social inequalities. The 
algorithms that drive content visibility can reinforce biases, making it 
difficult for certain voices to be heard. While the influencer economy 
has spurred monetization strategies, it also brings challenges such as 
credibility, transparency, agendas and the ethical implications of 
sponsored content. The prevalence of trolling as religious, caste and 
linguistic violence poses significant risks, especially for marginalized 
voices who may have only recently developed new digital identities of 
self-respect.

The third edition of the SCMC Pramāṇa Research Conference aims to 
explore these evolving dynamics, inviting researchers to deliberate on 
the far-reaching implications of digital democracies, all within the 
rapidly transforming South Asian context.

Topics may include, but are not limited to the following:
    Track 1: micro-celebrities and digital narratives
• Identity, Representation And Popular Culture In Digital Spaces
• Influencer Economies: Micro-celebrities as Newsmakers
• Micro-Celebrities and Cultural Narratives
• Influencer Advertising on Digital Platforms

Track 2: The Creator Economy and the Electoral Landscape
• Influencer Marketing in Political Strategy
• Digital Campaigning and Political Advertising
• Voter Behaviour in the Age of Influencers
• Digital Platformization of Democracy

Track 3: Challenges in Digital Narratives
• Flak, Trolls and Linguistic Violence
• Ethical Concerns in Influencer Cultures
• Marginalized Voices in the Digital Space
• Data and Surveillance in Democratic Decision-Making

Track 4: Digital Literacy and Democratic Participation
• The Politics of Digital Literacy: State, Market and others
• The Digital Divide and its Impact on Democratic Participation
• What about that? Whataboutery and other Digital Practices of Knowledge 
Claims and the formation of Popular Cultures

Submission guidelines:
Please send your 250 words proposed abstract 250-300 words, along with a 
brief bio-note of 50 words to the submission site 
https://pramana.scmc.edu.in/ <https://pramana.scmc.edu.in/> by 1 
November 2024.

Select full papers will be considered for peer review by the journal 
South Asian Popular Culture (SAPC) 
(https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/ 
<https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/> rsap20/about-this-journal).
For full CFP and guidelines visit: https://pramana.scmc.edu.in/ 
<https://pramana.scmc.edu.in/>
Sharable link to CFP brochure: https://t.ly/hTBUJ <https://t.ly/hTBUJ>

For any queries, contact: (pramana.conference /at/ scmc.edu.in) 
<mailto:(pramana.conference /at/ scmc.edu.in)>

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