In recent years, social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok have emerged as powerful forces in shaping public discourse and daily life in Cambodia. 

From revolutionising commerce to amplifying voices, these platforms have become integral to how Cambodians communicate, shop and express their opinions. 

However, the rapid adoption of social media also presents challenges, highlighting the complex and sometimes contradictory role it plays in society.

Pen Bona, a government spokesman, acknowledged the broad freedoms that social media provides in the Kingdom, noting that people use these platforms for a variety of purposes, from communication to commerce to political expression. 

“It allows individuals to exercise their freedom for various purposes, including general communication, shopping, expressing views on different issues, and even for entertainment, whether joyful or sorrowful,” he said.

He noted this applied across many [platforms, including TikTok, Facebook and Telegram.

The Kingdom’s social media landscape showed significant growth across major digital platforms in 2024, according to a recent report by DataReportal.

As of January, Facebook remained the dominant platform in Cambodia, with 11.65 million users, representing around 69 per cent of the population. This marked an increase of 1.2 million users, or growth of 11.5 per cent, when compared to January last year.

TikTok has also seen substantial growth, particularly among users aged 18 and above. The platform now boasts 9.96 million users in this demographic, reaching almost 90 per cent of the adult population. TikTok's ad reach expanded by 2.9 million users, a jump of 41 per cent over the previous year.

“Instagram, though smaller in scale, continues to grow steadily in Cambodia,” said the report.

“With 1.85 million users as of January 2024, the platform covers 10.9 per cent of the total population, reflecting a 5.7 per cent increase in its user base since January 2023,” it explained.

One of the most notable impacts of social media in Cambodia has been its transformation of traditional business models. 

Online businesses have flourished on platforms like Facebook, making it easier and more convenient for people to buy and sell goods. 

This shift has drawn many consumers away from physical markets, leading to a new era of digital commerce that is more accessible and widespread than ever before.

Social media has also provided a platform for individuals to gain recognition and support in unprecedented ways. 

A recent example was the rise to fame of a student from Prey Veng province, whose rendition of a song written by Senate president Hun Sen captured widespread attention. 

A video of the performance by Say Sina, a 10th grade student, was posted to Hun Sen's Facebook and has earned more than 10 million views since July.

The popularity of the clip not only brought her personal acclaim but also garnered significant support for her high school.

This exemplified how social media can amplify local talent, connecting individuals with broader audiences and opportunities.

Conversely, social media has also become a battleground for contentious issues, such as the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) project.

The project has sparked heated debates online, with concerns over territorial sovereignty allegedly leading to planned protests, and subsequent government crackdowns.

These events underscore the dual-edged nature of social media. While it empowers individuals to voice their opinions and mobilise support for various causes, it also challenges traditional boundaries of authority and control.

Spokesman Bona warned that social media can easily become a source of false information, with posts often lacking clear, verified sources, which can mislead people who do not have the means or the education to recognise misinformation.

Bona described the negative aspects of social media as "social pollution". 

"Social media allows people to express their freedom, but it also opens the door to excessive and harmful expression, particularly in the political arena," Bona told The Post. 

He emphasised that while individuals have the right to express their views, they must do so responsibly and within legal boundaries. 

Bona also pointed out that social media serves as a reflection of societal behaviour, where the actions and words of individuals, especially in political contexts, reveal much about their character and intentions.

"People who use social media platforms for political gain reveal the character of their party, showing how their members, particularly the youth, insult others without any intelligence. The public will recognise and evaluate this kind of behaviour,” he added.

While individuals have the right to express their views, Bona reminded the public that expression should not be abusive and is subject to legal consequences.

Bona explained that whether social media exists or not, the leaders of the government will continue to guide officials to work for the people, because the government is elected by the people. 

He believed that if the government serves the people well and develops the country efficiently, the people will continue to support it.

Chhort Bunthong, a researcher and philosopher at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, concurred with Bona's assessment of social media's dual nature. 

He noted that while social media provides significant benefits, such as facilitating business activities and alerting the authorities of issues, it is also a source of "polluted information", including fake news and disinformation. 

“Some people use social media negatively, spreading polluted information, fake news, disinformation, threats, intimidation and deceit. In other countries, this has led to riots, incitement to hatred, and opposition to the government, and we see similar patterns in the Kingdom,” Bunthong told The Post.

He acknowledged that social media is more positive than negative when it comes to freedom of expression but suggested that the right to use social media should be exercised in moderation.

Bunthong pointed out that the rapid dissemination of information on social media – often brief and lacking in-depth analysis, unlike professional media – leads users to draw hasty conclusions.

“Expressing opinions on social media does not necessarily equate to professionalism,” he observed.

He stressed the importance of moderation and careful consideration when engaging with social media, particularly in the context of national issues such as sovereignty, culture and security. 

Bunthong highlighted the potential for social media to positively influence public discourse if used thoughtfully and respectfully.

“Some politicians are now using false information to deceive society and claim that their actions have made it difficult for our government to progress,” said Bona. 

“The government will not allow them to disrupt the situation, and through these types of actions, the opposition discredits itself.

“Over time, people will see this group as doomed, creating only false information, lies, slander, and distorting the truth without the capability to lead,” he added.

Despite these challenges, social media remains a vital tool for communication and expression in Cambodia. 

“It serves as a mirror, reflecting not only the strengths and weaknesses of government officials but also the aspirations and frustrations of the public,” Bona conceded.

As Lao Mong Hay, a social analyst, noted, social media offers a platform for truth and constructive ideas, although it is also prone to misuse for defamation and spreading lies.

"The influence of social media should not be dismissed," he said, emphasising the importance of listening to the younger generation, who often bring fresh and innovative ideas to the table. 

He also cautioned against the dangers of imposing one's views on others, suggesting that such behaviour is indicative of dictatorial tendencies.