Social resilience refers to the ability of communities, groups, or societies to withstand, adapt to, and recover from social, economic, or environmental challenges and disruptions. It involves the capacity to absorb shocks, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, or political upheavals while maintaining core functions and structures.
Strong social networks, collective action, and shared norms bolster social resilience, enabling people to work together, share resources, and support one another during times of crisis. It also includes the ability to learn from these challenges and enhance preparedness for future adversities.
In an increasingly interconnected digital world, social media and digital platforms have emerged as powerful tools for communication, information sharing, and community building. In Bangladesh, a country that faces recurrent natural disasters, socio-economic challenges, and the impacts of climate change, these platforms have proven indispensable in fostering social resilience.
As Bangladesh modernises and faces opportunities and challenges, social media and digital platforms offer new avenues for strengthening community resilience, improving disaster preparedness, and fostering social cohesion.
The potential of social media in disaster preparedness is particularly crucial for a country that is highly vulnerable to natural disasters and their aftermath. This potential should not just reassure us but also instill a sense of confidence in the country’s readiness for future challenges.
The past decade has witnessed a profound transformation in how people in Bangladesh connect, thanks to the rapid growth of mobile internet access and the widespread use of smartphones.
According to data from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, over 100 million people in the country have internet access as of 2023, and many use social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube. This unprecedented connectivity can significantly enhance disaster preparedness and social resilience.
For many Bangladeshis, these platforms have become essential for staying informed, connecting with others, and participating in civic life. In the context of social resilience, these digital tools have the potential to be transformative, empowering individuals and communities to cope with and recover from adversity.
One of the most significant ways social media and digital platforms contribute to social resilience in Bangladesh is by facilitating the rapid dissemination of information during times of crisis. The country is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, particularly floods, cyclones, and riverbank erosion. In the past, delays in disseminating information about impending disasters or relief efforts often exacerbated the damage caused by these events.
However, with the widespread use of social media, government agencies, NGOs, and local communities can now quickly share vital information in real-time. For instance, during a cyclone or flood, platforms like Facebook and Twitter broadcast early warning messages, evacuation instructions, and updates on weather conditions. These platforms also enable individuals to report on local conditions, such as road blockages or the availability of emergency shelters, which helps authorities and aid organisations respond more effectively.
Social media has also proven valuable for organising grassroots relief efforts and coordinating community responses during emergencies. In Bangladesh, where formal emergency response systems may be stretched thin during large-scale disasters, digital platforms allow communities to
mobilise resources and support each other in need.
For example, during floods, local community groups often use WhatsApp or Facebook groups to organise rescue operations, distribute food and water, and assist vulnerable populations. The ability to coordinate efforts online has improved disaster response efficiency and strengthened social bonds within communities, as individuals come together to help their neighbours in times of crisis.
Beyond disaster response, social media and digital platforms are essential in raising awareness about long-term resilience issues, such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. Bangladesh is one of the countries most affected by climate change’s impacts, and its population is increasingly aware of the need for sustainable development and environmental protection.
Bangladesh’s activists, NGOs, and environmental organisations use platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram to share educational content on climate resilience, sustainable farming practices, and disaster preparedness. By reaching broad audiences, these platforms help build a culture of awareness and preparedness, particularly among young people who are the most active social media users.
In addition to raising awareness, digital platforms have become vital tools for community education and skill development, which are crucial components of social resilience. Bangladeshis face limited access to formal education and training opportunities, especially in rural areas. However, online platforms have opened up new possibilities for learning and capacity-building.
Educational websites, YouTube channels, and online courses provide people with the knowledge and skills to adapt to changing circumstances, whether learning about disaster-resistant building techniques, agricultural innovation, or entrepreneurship.
By enabling individuals to acquire new skills and knowledge, these platforms contribute to more excellent economic stability and resilience, as people are better equipped to diversify their livelihoods and respond to emerging challenges.
Furthermore, digital platforms have played a key role in amplifying the voices of marginalised communities in Bangladesh, particularly women, ethnic minorities, and low-income groups. Historically, these groups have faced barriers to participation in public life, whether due to cultural norms, geographic isolation, or lack of access to resources.
Social media, however, has provided them with a platform to share their stories, advocate for their rights, and connect with others who share their struggles. Women’s empowerment groups, for instance, use Facebook and Instagram to raise awareness about gender-based violence, advocate for policy changes, and support each other in overcoming challenges. By amplifying marginalised voices, social media contributes to social cohesion and inclusivity, both essential for building resilient communities.
Another notable contribution of social media and digital platforms to social resilience in Bangladesh is their role in enhancing transparency and accountability in governance. In a country where corruption and inefficiency can sometimes hinder development efforts, digital platforms give citizens a means to hold government officials and institutions accountable.
During disasters, for example, citizens can use social media to report cases of mismanagement or delay in relief efforts. Similarly, online platforms are often used to crowdsource data on the distribution of aid or the implementation of development projects, enabling greater oversight and reducing the risk of corruption. Promoting transparency and accountability through social media contributes to more effective governance, strengthening communities’ resilience.
The rise of e-commerce and digital marketplaces in Bangladesh has also played an essential role in boosting economic resilience. In recent years, platforms such as Daraz, Chaldal, and Bikroy have allowed small businesses and entrepreneurs to reach new markets and customers, even during economic disruptions. This became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when many brick-and-mortar businesses faced closures or restrictions.
Digital platforms provide an alternative for businesses to continue operating, whether through online sales, delivery services, or virtual consultations. By diversifying income sources and providing new economic opportunities, these platforms contribute to the financial resilience of individuals and families, helping them weather economic downturns and recover more quickly from crises.
However, while the benefits of social media and digital platforms are undeniable, some challenges must be addressed to ensure that these tools effectively contribute to social resilience in Bangladesh. One significant challenge is the digital divide, which refers to the gap between those without access to digital technologies.
In Bangladesh, rural and low-income populations often need more access to the internet and digital devices, preventing them from fully benefiting from digital platforms’ opportunities. Addressing this digital divide requires investment in infrastructure, such as expanding mobile network coverage and making internet access more affordable, particularly in underserved areas.
Another challenge is the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media, which can undermine social resilience by sowing confusion, fear, and mistrust. In times of crisis, false information about disasters, relief efforts, or health risks can spread rapidly on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, leading to panic or poor decision-making.
To counter this, it is essential to promote digital literacy among the population so that individuals can critically assess online information. Additionally, platforms must ensure that accurate information is prioritised and that harmful misinformation is removed swiftly.
Cybersecurity and data privacy are also important considerations, as the increasing reliance on digital platforms exposes individuals and organisations to the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches. Ensuring that users’ data is protected and that online platforms are secure is essential for maintaining trust in these systems, significantly as more sensitive activities, such as financial transactions and government services, move online.
Social media and digital platforms have become indispensable tools for building social resilience in Bangladesh. From disaster preparedness and response to education, advocacy, and economic empowerment, these platforms offer new opportunities for individuals and communities to adapt to and recover from their challenges. However, to fully realise the potential of these tools, it is essential to address the digital divide, promote digital literacy, and ensure that online platforms are secure and transparent.
As Bangladesh continues to navigate the complexities of the modern world, social media and digital platforms will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the country’s resilience, offering new ways for its people to connect, collaborate, and build a stronger, more resilient society.