Media convergence and its influence on democratic development and nation building in the contemporary political landscape

The integration of media platforms through digital technologies has become a transformative force in modern governance, significantly influencing democratic development and nation-building. This systematic literature review examines how rapid digitalization of communication channels has facilitated broader information access, increased citizen participation in political discourse, and enhanced governmental transparency. By analyzing recent studies across multiple regions, this paper explores three key dimensions of media convergence: its role in expanding civic engagement, ensuring political transparency, and strengthening national unity. Findings indicate that while integrated media platforms create unprecedented opportunities for inclusive democratic participation and data-driven policy formulation, they simultaneously present challenges including misinformation proliferation, digital inequalities, and regulatory complexities. The study proposes a framework for understanding these dual impacts and provides evidence-based recommendations for stakeholders to leverage benefits while mitigating risks in different socio-political contexts.