PERFORMATIVE patriotism on social media has become a significant social phenomenon in contemporary Bangladesh. It refers to the public display of national pride, loyalty or emotional attachment to the country, primarily for social recognition, online visibility, political alignment or symbolic identity rather than for genuine civic responsibility or constructive contribution. The rapid expansion of Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and other digital platforms has transformed patriotism from a deeply personal and collective sentiment into a highly visible digital performance. While social media has democratised public expression and strengthened national consciousness in some respects, it has also encouraged superficial, polarised and emotionally charged forms of nationalism that often prioritise visibility over substance.
The country has seen growth in internet penetration and social media use over the past decade. Facebook, in particular, has become deeply embedded in the country’s social, political and cultural life. Social media increasingly shapes political identity, narratives and civic engagement among youth. In this digital environment, expressions of patriotism are no longer confined to national holidays, public ceremonies or civic participation. Instead, patriotism is increasingly expressed through profile picture frames, hashtags, emotional posts, viral slogans and symbolic online activism.
One major reason for the rise is the social media attention economy. Platforms reward emotional, dramatic and highly shareable content. Users often receive validation through likes, comments, shares and followers when they publicly express patriotic sentiments. As a result, many individuals engage in visible demonstrations of nationalism not necessarily out of deep civic commitment, but because such expressions enhance their digital presence and social acceptability. National crises, sports victories, political events or historical commemorations frequently trigger waves of patriotic content that spread rapidly online.
Patriotic performances often intensify during events such as Independence Day, Victory Day, and international cricket matches. During these periods, social media becomes saturated with flags, national songs, emotional quotations and declarations of loyalty to the nation. While these expressions may foster temporary solidarity, they can also pressure individuals to conform publicly to dominant nationalist narratives. Those who remain silent or express critical opinions may be labelled ‘anti-national’ or disloyal. This reflects a broader transformation in which patriotism becomes a performative social expectation rather than a reflective civic value.
The phenomenon is also closely tied to political polarisation. Political actors and their supporters increasingly use social media to cast themselves as the ‘true patriots’ while portraying opponents as enemies of the national interest. Political discourse shows how media narratives construct binary identities of ‘us’ versus ‘them,’ intensifying ideological conflict. Consequently, patriotism is weaponized in online debates. Rather than fostering democratic dialogue, performative patriotism often fuels hostility, moral grandstanding and digital vigilantism.
Another important factor is the commercialisation of nationalism. Businesses, influencers and media personalities often capitalise on patriotic sentiment for branding and audience engagement. National symbols, liberation-war memories and patriotic imagery are increasingly used in advertising and public communication. On social media, influencers may post highly emotional patriotic content during national events to boost engagement and strengthen their public image. In many cases, patriotism becomes commodified as a digital marketing strategy rather than an ethical commitment to national welfare.
The culture of virality further amplifies performative behaviour. Viral slogans, emotional speeches and symbolic gestures often gain enormous traction online. While this can raise awareness and mobilise people, it can also encourage shallow engagement, in which users prioritise emotional expression over meaningful action. Sharing a patriotic post may be easier than addressing corruption, inequality, environmental degradation or social injustice.
At the same time, performative patriotism has both positive and negative implications. On the positive side, social media patriotism can strengthen national unity, preserve historical memory and encourage public participation during crises. It allows ordinary citizens to express solidarity, celebrate national achievements, and connect emotionally with collective experiences. During emergencies or political movements, digital patriotism can mobilise support and amplify marginalised voices.
However, the negative consequences are increasingly evident. One major danger is the erosion of constructive patriotism. Genuine patriotism entails civic responsibility, ethical conduct, respect for democratic values, and active contributions to national development. In contrast, performative patriotism often remains confined to symbolic gestures without substantive action. Individuals may publicly glorify the nation online while engaging in corruption, intolerance, misinformation, or civic irresponsibility in daily life. This contradiction weakens nationalism’s moral foundation.
Furthermore, performative patriotism can intensify online toxicity and intolerance. Social media algorithms favour outrage and emotional conflict, which encourages aggressive nationalist behaviour. Critics, minorities, journalists and dissenting voices may be harassed in the name of defending the country. Social media in Bangladesh has occasionally contributed to real-life tensions and violence fuelled by online narratives and emotional mobilisation. Thus, unchecked digital nationalism can threaten social harmony and democratic culture. While digital platforms provide opportunities for civic engagement and national solidarity, they also risk reducing patriotism to spectacle and symbolic competition.
Therefore, the country must cultivate a more constructive and reflective form of patriotism that upholds civic ethics, tolerance, critical thinking and social responsibility. Educational institutions, media organisations, policymakers and civil society should promote digital literacy and responsible online engagement so that patriotism is tied to meaningful contributions rather than mere online performance. True patriotism should be expressed not only through hashtags and profile pictures but also through honesty, compassion, accountability and active participation in building a just and inclusive society.
Dr Nasim Ahmed is former additional secretary to the government and currently works as associate professor of public policy at the Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (affiliated with the University of Dhaka).
