At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, a provocative question dominated several panel discussions: Is social media a bigger threat to society than artificial intelligence?
While AI continues to generate global debate around automation, deepfakes and job displacement, a section of technologists and policy experts argued that existing social media ecosystems may pose more immediate and tangible risks — particularly in democracies with massive digital populations like India.
The debate reflects a broader shift in digital policy discourse. Instead of treating AI as the sole disruptive force, experts are examining how legacy platforms, algorithm-driven engagement systems and misinformation networks have already reshaped public discourse.
This article breaks down the key arguments raised at the summit and what they mean for users, regulators and businesses in 2026.
Why This Debate Is Gaining Momentum
India is home to one of the world’s largest internet user bases. Platforms such as Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram), YouTube and X play a central role in shaping public opinion, news distribution and online interaction.
At the same time, generative AI tools are expanding rapidly, raising concerns about:
- Deepfake content
- Automated misinformation
- AI-generated propaganda
- Job displacement
However, several experts at the summit suggested that while AI risks are emerging, social media’s structural issues have been affecting societies for over a decade.
The Case Against Social Media
1. Algorithmic Amplification of Polarisation
One of the strongest arguments presented was that social media algorithms are designed to maximise engagement — often amplifying emotionally charged or polarising content.
Experts noted that:
- Outrage-driven posts tend to travel faster
- Divisive narratives gain disproportionate visibility
- Echo chambers reinforce existing biases
Unlike AI tools that require active use, social media feeds continuously push curated content to billions of users.
2. Misinformation at Scale
Misinformation is not new, but social media has accelerated its spread dramatically.
Summit discussions highlighted:
- Viral rumours influencing public behaviour
- Manipulated images spreading rapidly
- Difficulty in content moderation at scale
AI may enhance misinformation capabilities, but the distribution networks already exist — primarily through social platforms.
3. Impact on Democratic Processes
Policy analysts at the summit raised concerns about how social media has influenced:
- Election campaigns
- Public health messaging
- Civic discourse
The issue, according to several speakers, lies not only in false content but in algorithm-driven amplification patterns.
The Case Against AI
While social media was criticised for structural harms, AI was not absolved of risk.
1. Deepfakes and Synthetic Media
AI-generated content can:
- Mimic voices and faces
- Fabricate video evidence
- Create highly convincing misinformation
The risk intensifies when AI tools integrate with social platforms, combining generation and distribution.
2. Job Displacement and Economic Disruption
Automation through AI is reshaping industries, including:
- IT services
- Customer support
- Content production
India’s large workforce in services and outsourcing makes AI-driven disruption a major policy concern.
3. Bias and Ethical Concerns
AI systems trained on biased data can perpetuate discrimination. Experts emphasised the need for:
- Transparent model development
- Ethical auditing
- Regulatory oversight
Responsible AI frameworks were repeatedly highlighted as critical safeguards.
Social Media vs AI: A False Comparison?
Several speakers argued that framing the issue as “social media versus AI” oversimplifies the challenge.
Instead, they described a convergence:
- AI enhances content creation
- Social media amplifies distribution
- Automation accelerates both processes
The combined effect may be more impactful than either technology alone.
In this view, the risk lies in ecosystem integration rather than isolated technologies.
Why India’s Context Matters
India’s scale makes it uniquely exposed to digital transformation risks.
Key factors include:
- Large multilingual user base
- Rapid smartphone penetration
- Expanding digital payment and governance systems
Regulatory responses must account for these complexities.
India’s policymakers are increasingly focusing on platform accountability, content moderation frameworks and responsible AI guidelines — balancing innovation with safeguards.
Regulatory and Industry Implications
The debate has direct implications for regulation.
For Social Media Platforms
- Greater transparency in algorithms
- Strengthened grievance redressal systems
- Clearer content moderation accountability
For AI Developers
- Responsible AI compliance
- Risk assessment protocols
- Ethical governance mechanisms
Industry leaders at the summit emphasised that proactive self-regulation could reduce the need for heavy-handed intervention.
Business and Investor Perspectives
From a market standpoint, both AI and social media remain powerful growth engines.
However:
- Reputational risk is rising
- Regulatory uncertainty can impact valuations
- Brand safety concerns affect advertising revenue
Companies operating in India must navigate these pressures carefully.
The Human Behaviour Factor
A recurring theme was that technology alone is not the sole driver of risk.
Experts pointed out that:
- Human psychology influences content sharing
- Confirmation bias fuels virality
- Digital literacy levels vary significantly
Strengthening digital literacy may be as important as regulating platforms or AI tools.
What Should Users Take Away?
For individual users, the debate underscores the importance of:
- Verifying information sources
- Understanding algorithmic feeds
- Being cautious with AI-generated media
Digital awareness is increasingly becoming a civic skill.
The Bottom Line
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the question of whether social media is a bigger threat than AI sparked robust, nuanced debate. The consensus among many experts was not that one technology is inherently more dangerous than the other, but that their interaction amplifies risk.
Social media’s algorithmic structures have already reshaped public discourse. AI introduces new capabilities — both beneficial and harmful — that could intensify those effects.
For India, the path forward lies in balanced governance, corporate responsibility and public digital literacy. The goal is not to suppress innovation, but to ensure that technological progress strengthens, rather than destabilises, democratic and economic systems.
As 2026 unfolds, the debate is likely to continue — not as a competition between AI and social media, but as a broader conversation about the future of digital accountability.
