SOCIAL MEDIA AS AN EMERGING TOOLS FOR POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF FACEBOOK
Abstract
This study examined social media as an emerging tool for political participation in Nigeria: a study of Facebook. The study was aimed at finding out how Facebook contributes to political participation in Nigeria, with special focus on the 2023 general elections in Nigeria. The Uses and Gratification Theory and the Technological Determinism Theory were the anchors of the study. The study made use of the survey research method, with structured questionnaire as instrument for data collection. Findings from the study show that Facebook played a major role in mobilizing the support of the electorate. The study therefore recommends that periodic public enlightenment programmes be organized on the use of Facebook and digital marketing generally, for political purposes, especially among youths. It is also recommended that subtle regulation of the social media be introduced, with the view to checking abuse.
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