1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
The advent of social media has revolutionized how individuals communicate and engage in political activities globally. In Nigeria, where approximately 70% of the population is under 30 years of age, social media has become a crucial platform for political mobilization among the youth. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp provide tools for sharing information, raising awareness, and fostering collective action, particularly in a country where traditional media often face restrictions and biases (Nwabueze & Ezebuenyi, 2020).
Recently, social media has emerged as a transformative tool in the modern political landscape, redefining how individuals engage, communicate, and mobilize for political purposes. Among Nigerian youth, the pervasive influence of platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram has significantly reshaped political discourse and activism. This trend reflects the global shift towards digital engagement, where traditional political structures are increasingly complemented or challenged by online participation (Obar & Wildman, 2015).
The political environment in Nigeria is marked by youth disenfranchisement, systemic corruption, and limited access to platforms for civic engagement. Social media has provided a channel to bridge this gap, enabling young Nigerians to express their opinions, organize protests, and challenge existing power structures. The #OccupyNigeria protests in 2012 and the #EndSARS movement in 2020 are prime examples of how social media has transformed the political engagement landscape in Nigeria. These movements highlight the power of digital tools in amplifying voices, mobilizing crowds, and pressuring policymakers (Egbunike, 2021).
Beyond protest movements, social media also plays a role in voter education, political campaigns, and monitoring electoral processes. Nigerian youth use these platforms to demand accountability and transparency, thereby promoting democratic governance. However, while social media has empowered many, it has also introduced challenges such as the spread of misinformation, cyber harassment, and government-imposed internet shutdowns during critical political moments (Adibe, 2020).
In Nigeria, a country characterized by its youthful population and vibrant socio-political environment, social media serves as a powerful medium for mobilizing political action. The #EndSARS movement of 2020, for instance, demonstrated how young Nigerians leveraged social media to organize protests, amplify grievances, and demand accountability from authorities. This unprecedented mobilization underscores the potential of digital platforms to influence political outcomes and drive societal change (Ajayi & Adesina, 2021). However, the use of social media for political mobilization is not without challenges. Issues such as misinformation, digital divides, and government-imposed restrictions on internet access have highlighted the complexities of relying on social media as a tool for political engagement. Despite these hurdles, Nigerian youth continue to harness the power of digital networks to challenge norms, advocate for reforms, and hold leaders accountable (Nwagwu & Oni, 2022).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the impact of social media on political mobilization among nigeria youth.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, which undermines credible political discourse and misleads young voters. Social media is often used to propagate fake news, polarize opinions, and create confusion during critical political moments such as elections (Afolayan & Alabi, 2020). Social media is also associated with the risk of surveillance and suppression by governmental authorities. Activists and politically conscious youth using these platforms to demand accountability are often subjected to cyber harassment, intimidation, and even arrests. Such actions discourage political participation and create an atmosphere of fear, stifling the very essence of democracy (Adediran, 2021).
Additionally, while social media enables youth to mobilize rapidly, its transient nature often results in a lack of sustained political engagement. Campaigns initiated online tend to lose momentum once initial enthusiasm wanes, as digital activism is sometimes perceived as less impactful compared to traditional forms of political engagement. This poses a challenge to achieving long-term political goals and reforms (Eze, 2020). It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by evaluating the impact of social media on political mobilization among Nigeria youth.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the impact of social media on political mobilization among Nigerian youth, focusing on its role in shaping political awareness, participation, and activism. The specific objectives of the study are to:
- Investigate how social media influences political awareness among Nigerian youth.
- Examine the extent to which social media enhances youth participation in political activities in Nigeria.
- Assess the role of social media platforms in organizing and mobilizing youth for political actions and campaigns in Nigeria.
- Identify the challenges associated with using social media for political mobilization among Nigerian youth.
- Explore potential strategies to improve the effectiveness of social media in promoting political engagement among Nigerian youth.
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:
- How does social media influence political awareness among Nigerian youth?
- To what extent does social media enhance youth participation in political activities in Nigeria?
- What role do social media platforms play in organizing and mobilizing youth for political actions and campaigns in Nigeria?
- What challenges are associated with using social media for political mobilization among Nigerian youth?
- What strategies can improve the effectiveness of social media in promoting political engagement among Nigerian youth?
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: Social media does not significantly impact political mobilization among Nigerian youth.
- H02: Social media platforms play a vital role in organizing and mobilizing Nigerian youth for political actions and campaigns.
- H03: Challenges associated with using social media affect its effectiveness in political mobilization among Nigerian youth.
1.6 Significance of Study
The outcome of the research findings will benefit political parties and activists by revealing effective ways to engage with youth through social media platforms. The study will also be beneficial to youth-focused organizations and NGOs by highlighting the potential of social media as a tool for advocacy and political education.
For academics and researchers, this study will serve as a resource for further exploration into the intersection of technology, youth, and politics, enriching the existing body of knowledge in the field.
Finally, the research will empower Nigerian youth by shedding light on their role in shaping the political landscape through digital platforms, encouraging more informed and active participation in governance processes.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of the research is focused on the impact of social media on political mobilization among Nigeria youth. This research will concentrate on Nigerian youth aged 18 to 35 years, specifically targeting secondary and tertiary institutions across key states, such as Lagos, Abuja, and Rivers.
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: It refers to internet-based platforms that allow users to create, share, and exchange information, ideas, and content in virtual communities and networks. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp are widely used by Nigerian youth for communication and interaction (Tufekci, 2017).
Political Mobilization: It involves the process of motivating, organizing, and engaging individuals or groups to take collective action toward achieving political goals. This can include activities like participation in elections, protests, or social movements (McAdam & Tarrow, 2013).
Nigeria Youth: It refers to individuals within the age range of 18 to 35 years who are part of Nigeria's population, a group often seen as politically active and influential in driving social change (National Population Commission, 2019).
Political Engagement: It is the involvement of individuals in political processes, which may include voting, activism, joining political groups, or participating in political discussions, often facilitated by social media platforms (Loader, Vromen, & Xenos, 2014).
Social Media Platforms: They are digital tools and technologies that allow people to communicate, share, and interact with each other. Popular platforms among Nigerian youth include Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, which are often used for both social and political purposes (Duggan, Ellison, Lampe, Lenhart, & Mahood, 2015).
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