WhatsApp as a propaganda distribution channel might be slowing down (as one pol functionary told me a majority of groups are muted by users)

Engagement with content is not as much in real-time as it used to be. Shares do happen. But that depends on when folks engage w/ it

So does that mean no propaganda? Not at all. Enter Telegram, where the action is slowly moving to. It’s where communities of large following are being built by fringe commentators, individual politicians, conspiracy theorists, popular content creators and provocateurs.

The ability to build large communities on Telegram is too good to an opportunity to miss out on. Content distribution is easy. Engagement is easier. And importantly, the ability to share to other platforms — WhatsApp included, gives it that utility.

I’d think of this infrastructure this way. WhatsApp has a more defined and organised structure to it — assigned hierarchy and roles. Telegram is about creating a larger community for engagement on those issues. To discuss, debate and engage better. It’s happening.

WhatsApp will never go away as a tool for political propaganda. There will always be workarounds (for instance, the flip to WhatsApp for Business is one). But this Telegram phenomenon (still early days) is worth keeping an eye on. It is only likely to grow from here on.

Telegram, as we now know, is fast emerging as the preferred platform for the western far-right/Trumpists/adherents of conspiracy theories, and individuals related adjacently to or involved with those movements. That is happening in India too.

This is an evolving thread — will share more insights as I see them across these platforms.

There has been an active proliferation of political activity on these platforms. I’ve seen groups that start slow, but then pick up.

Also imagine the possibility to let’s say trend something on Twitter via these Telegram groups. For eg: the SSR conspiracy theory.