Role of social media in combating corruption in Nepal

Abstract

Corruption is a significant global issue that undermines democratic values and erodes public trust. Despite the establishment of legal frameworks and enforcement agencies, the challenge of addressing corruption remains unresolved. This paper aims to explore whether social media could serve as an alternative tool in combating corruption in Nepal by assessing its effectiveness in comparison to traditional media, and its capacity to mobilize communities against corruption while promoting transparency and accountability. Through a quantitative research approach, a survey was conducted with 423 respondents from Nepal, and their responses were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The findings indicate that the majority of respondents perceive social media as more effective than traditional media in exposing corruption. Additionally, a substantial portion of participants believe that social media has the potential to organize communities against corruption and contribute to ensuring transparency and accountability. However, there is a noticeable reluctance among respondents to personally engage in anti-corruption campaigns or report instances of corruption. The research concludes that the respondents' perceptions suggest that social media holds promise in informing citizens about corruption and fostering transparency and accountability through community mobilization. Keywords: corruption, social media, transparency, accountability, quantitative research approach