Navigating Silence: Age-Based Attitudes Toward Social Media Censorship in Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO), Tajikistan

Abstract

Despite the geographic distance of Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) from Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe, the rise of the internet and social media has opened avenues for sharing information and fostering connections within the region. This digital landscape has given rise to a new era of citizen engagement through social media activism. Individuals across various age groups in Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) are eager to voice their social concerns, hoping that the government will acknowledge and address pressing political and social issues. However, the state has increasingly imposed control over social media platforms, stifling critical voices and raising alarm about citizens' ability to influence the future of their country. This thesis explores the attitudes of three specific age groups: young adults (18-30), middle-aged individuals (30-45), and older adults (50 and above) regarding state censorship on social media. Through in-depth interviews with 15 participants from these groups, I aim to understand how their perceptions of authority and censorship differ. By examining these dynamics, this research aims to illuminate the challenges and opportunities posed by online censorship in Tajikistan, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and participatory digital environment for all age demographics. Keywords: censorship, social media, young adults, middle-aged, older adults, Tajikistan, Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO)