1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
In recent years, the proliferation of social media platforms has significantly influenced various aspects of society, including politics. In Nigeria, a country with a burgeoning youth population, the role of social media in shaping political interest among young people has become increasingly prominent. Nigeria, with its sizable youth demographic, stands at a pivotal moment in its political landscape. Historically, youth engagement in politics has been limited by various factors, including apathy, disillusionment, and systemic barriers. However, the advent of social media has emerged as a transformative force, potentially reshaping the political engagement of Nigerian youths. Understanding the dynamics of social media usage and its impact on political interest among young Nigerians is crucial for comprehending contemporary political trends and fostering democratic participation.
Social media use increases information supply. Platforms also help journalists and media organizations keep up with their audience as through alternative platforms, they can always get in touch (Idowu et al., 2019). Social media forms part of the much talked about electronic communication and is so far seen as the environment with the highest activity on the internet (Apuke, 2016). However, television broadcasting in Nigerian since inception has been transmitting through analogue televisions which use complete waves to transmit pictures and sounds (KOMOL, 2008). According to Lewis and Social media platforms as sources of news continue to grow, and both journalists and audience have come to terms with the reality as to the importance of the technological revolution (Agbo & Chukwuma, 2016).
The introduction of social media has increase interaction among people, creating them to be producers and consumers of information in a simultaneous manner. Social media such as Facebook, Twitter and 2go have brought tremendous improvement within the communication system; it has provided different entertainment functions which serve as a tool for social change. With the help of the web, users can form his/her own page, assess news online easily and upload business and advertisement online in order to get customers to purchase products. It is also an avenue to share or transfer photos of individual or events, groups can be formed to meet people with similar interests.
According to Kim et al., (2010) Social or new media are the emerging digital communication channels which create a user oriented information sharing ground where any people can generate or subscribe information content as both information provider and consumer. Although social media are powerful tools that has improved interaction in communication, and reduced the utilization of conventional broadcasting, there is still some complimentary role it shares with conventional broadcasting in terms of news, advertisement, reaching large audiences among others. Whereas, differences conventional broadcasting shares with social media includes quality, frequency, usability, immediacy, and permanence (Social Media, 2013).
Apuke (2016) observes that social media helps journalists in Nigeria to explore various sites regularly. In contrast, a study by Didiugwu et al. (2015) revealed that social media has impacted negatively on the performance of journalists in Nigeria. Social media also comes with challenges, whether in their adoption or usage. Generally, some challenges that come with the use of social media include fear of privacy invasion, inability to cater for those with disability, problems of commercial advertising, the challenge of making terms of agreement a prerequisite to creating a profile or owning an account, and susceptibility to deception from users across spectrum (Kasturi & Vardhan, 2014).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Contribution of Social Media towards the Promotion of Youths Political Interest in Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that social media platforms have become breeding grounds for misinformation and disinformation campaigns, which can distort political discourse and negatively impact youths' political interest by eroding trust in political institutions and information sources. Also, Nigerian youths engaging in political discussions on social media are often subjected to online harassment, intimidation, and threats, which can deter them from participating in political discourse and expressing their views freely.
Furthermore, despite the widespread use of social media in Nigeria, there exists a digital divide where certain segments of the youth population lack access to these platforms, potentially excluding them from the benefits of online political engagement. Hence, it is against this backdrop that this study aims to investigate the Contribution of Social Media towards the Promotion of Youths Political Interest in Nigeria.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the Contribution of Social Media towards the Promotion of Youths Political Interest in Nigeria. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To investigate the challenges and opportunities associated with using social media as a tool for enhancing political interest among young Nigerians;
- To identify the factors that influence youths’ engagement with political content on social media platforms;
- To assess the impact of social media on the political interest and awareness levels of young Nigerians;
- To examine the patterns of social media usage among Nigerian youths for political engagement; and
- To propose recommendations for policymakers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to leverage social media effectively in promoting youths' political interest and participation in Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are there challenges and opportunities associated with using social media as a tool for enhancing political interest among young Nigerians?
- Are there factors that influence youths’ engagement with political content on social media platforms?
- What are the patterns of social media usage among Nigerian youths for political engagement?
- What is the impact of social media on the political interest and awareness levels of young Nigerians?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: There is no significant relationship between social media usage and the promotion of youths’ political interest in Nigeria.
- H02: Social media usage positively influences the promotion of youths' political interest in Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of Study
The findings of this research study will inform the development of evidence-based policies and strategies aimed at harnessing the potential of social media to promote youths' political interest. By understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with social media usage for political engagement, and maximize the positive impact of social media on youth participation in Nigerian politics.
Additionally, this study will contribute to fostering a more informed and politically literate citizenry. Increased political interest and awareness among young Nigerians can lead to greater civic engagement and participation, ultimately strengthening Nigeria's democratic institutions.
Furthermore, the findings of this research study can contribute to fostering a culture of democratic participation and activism. Empowering youths to actively engage in political discussions and decision-making processes can contribute to the vibrancy and inclusivity of Nigeria's democracy.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Contribution of Social Media towards the Promotion of Youths Political Interest in Nigeria.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.9 Definition of Terms
Social Media:
Social media refers to online platforms and websites that allow users to create, share, and interact with content generated by other users. Examples include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Political Interest:
Political interest denotes an individual's inclination, curiosity, or concern about political issues, events, and processes. It encompasses an individual's engagement with political information, discussions, and activities.
Youths:
In the context of this study, youths refer to individuals within a specific age range, typically between adolescence and young adulthood, who are considered to be in the developmental stage of transitioning into adulthood. The exact age range may vary depending on the definition used by the researcher or organization.
