The New Age of Communication: Social Media Use among Women in the Koya Tribal Community

Hima Bindu Achanta and Azamat Ali

Published: 2026/06/01

Abstract

The digital and social media have been on the rise in the 21st century, yet most tribal communities in India have limited access. To enhance accessibility to digital resources, programs such as Digital India are developed, but tribal women tend to stay on the periphery. The paper examines the applications of social media in the daily lives of Koya tribal women in Gattumalla Hamlet, Telangana. The study aims at getting to know their media preferences and the utilization of social media in communication, learning and health. The study applied a qualitative research methodology where focus groups and in-depth interviews were employed. Photographs of the field research were captured. The theoretical framework of the study includes both Diffusion of Innovation and Uses and Gratification theories. The results indicate that there exists a digital divide, which is being corrected gradually. Two examples, a non-verbal girl and a young health worker, demonstrate how the digital tools assisted them in coping with barriers to education and healthcare. Analysis based on Uses and Gratification theory shows the opportunities and obstacles of digital inclusion in tribal regions.

Cite this paper   Download PDF