A recent study published in ICWSM explored public attitudes toward internet shutdowns in India by simulating a two-day internet blackout. Contrary to expectations, the experiment found that participants’ support for government-mandated internet shutdowns actually increased after experiencing the disruption firsthand, according to medianama.com.
Researchers paid participants to turn off their internet access for two days, effectively creating a controlled shutdown experience. The qualitative analysis revealed that many participants replaced their usual internet activities with offline tasks and perceived the shutdown as a form of ‘digital detox.’ This shift in behavior appeared to reinforce rather than reduce their approval of such shutdowns.
Internet shutdowns involve government orders to telecom operators to suspend internet services in specific regions, ranging from cities to entire states, for varying durations. These shutdowns have become a routine governance tool in India over the past decade, often used during protests or security concerns. The study’s findings challenge the assumption that personal experience with shutdowns would decrease public support, highlighting the complexity of public opinion on this issue.
The study underscores the need for policymakers to consider public perceptions shaped by lived experiences when debating internet governance. The full paper and video recording of the research are available via medianama.com, providing detailed insights into the methodology and findings.