Recently, the role of social media in the public expression of executive leadership in Nepal has increased significantly. The Prime Minister and Ministers are showing extensive activity on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube and other platforms.

Such mediums can play an important role in communicating directly with the public and facilitating the flow of information. However, if its use continues to increase at this rate, there is also a possibility that it will have a negative impact on the serious study of leadership, policy thinking and planning. Not only that, there is also a danger of serious consequences as the executive role narrows due to the unbalanced and excessive influence of social media. 

It is necessary to distinguish between effective use of social media and excessive use. Because, leaders are spending significant time on social media to create 'viral' content based on metrics like Total Page Reach (TRP). It is seen that it will seriously affect their executive responsibilities. It is a sign that Prime Ministers or Ministers spend time on superficial political satires, trivial reactions or sentimental statuses on social media when they should be taking coordinated initiatives collectively on policy issues. Such behavior has the potential to displace serious policies and governance processes. 

In the past few months, the Facebook posts of personalities in executive roles including prime ministers and ministers seem to limit the public debate to emotions and popularity rather than long-term policy discussions or political satires and reactions. Activism on social media and the frenzy of trying to go 'viral' can reduce the seriousness and credibility of an executive role. 

It is important that our leadership is not limited to the popularity and activism of social media, but focus on its main responsibility by using social media as an alternative means of public dialogue. 

The executive leadership must organize and limit the activities on social media and make their priority the national interest and government reforms. Therefore, the executive leadership at every level will not make themselves 'viral' but only if they fulfill the assigned responsibilities with the goal of becoming 'credible' and 'responsible' leaders and Arjuna Drishti, the expected results will be achieved. No, it will be a little difficult to pay the price if it becomes only a matter of 'viral content' by forgetting the responsibility!

– Techendra Adhikari , Biratnagar