Social Media and the Shifting Dynamics of Human-Animal Relationships in Dhaka

Abstract

This study delves into how social media is revolutionizing animal welfare efforts in Dhaka, Bangladesh, focusing on both community-driven initiatives and legal advocacy. Using qualitative methods such as digital ethnography and semi-structured interviews, the study examines how online platforms are transforming individual acts of animal rescue into broader, organized movements. Theoretical insights from Benedict Anderson’s "Imagined Communities" and Erving Goffman’s Framing Theory shed light on how digital spaces create collective identities and influence public attitudes. By 2024, local animal welfare groups had evolved from merely rescuing and adopting animals to actively engaging in legal battles and policy advocacy. The study highlights how social media not only builds strong support networks and raises awareness but also empowers new activists by keeping them engaged in awareness related activities, bringing justice to animals, and staying connected among themselves for a common cause. The study also enhances the understanding of how digital platforms can drive meaningful social change and offers a framework for applying similar strategies to other advocacy efforts.