Social media, human rights and democracy in the Pacific: report

Empowering citizens through informed and responsible use of social media is pivotal in advancing human rights and strengthening democracy across the Pacific. Social media can be a vector for the spread of misinformation and online harassment, contributing to division, political polarisation and eroding trust in democratic institutions. Addressing these digital threats is crucial for maintaining social cohesion and promoting transparent governance in the region.

This report presents findings and analysis of social media usage and its implications for human rights and democracy in 3 Pacific Island Countries (PICs): Fiji, Solomon Islands and Samoa.

Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study involved structured online surveys with 1,060 participants across the three countries, semi-structured interviews, and an extensive review of publicly available data. To deepen our understanding of these issues, the report also explores the trends and patterns of social media discourse related to political and human rights issues within large online communities in each country. This research, led by experts in Pacific digital ecosystems and democratic engagement, provides insights into the complex relationship between social media interactions and broader public perceptions of governance and civil liberties. These findings should shape policy interventions that can leverage social media's potential to enhance democratic dialogue while mitigating its risks.

The challenges of misinformation and online toxicity are highlighted in the 3 countries, reflecting broader regional concerns about the health of democratic discourse in the digital age. The report also proposes targeted strategies to combat these issues, supporting robust and resilient democratic processes across the Pacific.