THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN MOBILIZING PROTESTS IN THE CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY (A CASE STUDY OF ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTEST)
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Social media has dramatically reshaped the landscape of political activism and public mobilization in contemporary society. It provides an unprecedented platform for communication, organization, and dissemination of information, enabling rapid and widespread mobilization for various causes. In Nigeria, the role of social media in organizing and driving the EndBadGovernance protests highlights its transformative potential. These protests, which gained momentum in 2024, were driven by widespread frustration with corruption, poor governance, and economic mismanagement. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram were pivotal in coordinating efforts, sharing real-time updates, and uniting people under a common cause (Channelstv, 2024; Aljazeera, 2024).
Historically, protests and movements relied on traditional media and grassroots organizing to mobilize support. However, the advent of social media has introduced new dynamics, making mobilization more accessible and inclusive. Social media allows for real-time communication, making it easier to organize protests and share information quickly. It also enables individuals, regardless of their geographical location, to participate and contribute to the movement. This has been particularly evident in the EndBadGovernance protests, where social media played a central role in galvanizing public support and sustaining the momentum of the protests (Premium Times, 2024).
The EndBadGovernance protests illustrate the power of social media in contemporary activism. Hashtags such as #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria helped unify the movement's message and attract global attention. Activists used these platforms to coordinate protest logistics, share safety information, and provide updates, making social media an indispensable tool for modern-day activism. The ability to reach a global audience and attract international solidarity further amplifies the impact of such movements (Punchng, 2024).
This study seeks to explore the role of social media in mobilizing the EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria. By examining the strategies employed, the extent of social media's impact, and the challenges encountered, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how social media influences political mobilization in the digital age.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The EndBadGovernance protests highlight the crucial role of social media in organizing and sustaining social and political movements in Nigeria. However, while social media is a powerful tool for activism, it also presents several challenges and limitations. The problem lies in understanding the effectiveness of social media in mobilizing protests and driving meaningful change amidst various obstacles, such as misinformation, government censorship, and digital divides.
One key issue is the ability of social media to sustain long-term engagement and translate online activism into offline action. Additionally, the spread of misinformation and fake news can undermine the credibility of the movement and create divisions among supporters. Government attempts to censor or control social media also pose significant challenges to its effectiveness as a mobilization tool (Punchng, 2024).
Analyzing the role of social media in the EndBadGovernance protests involves evaluating its effectiveness in organizing and mobilizing support, the strategies used to overcome challenges, and the overall impact on the movement. This evaluation is essential for understanding how social media can be leveraged for political activism and the implications for future movements in Nigeria and beyond.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides a detailed analysis of the role of social media in mobilizing protests against bad governance, using the EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria as a case study. By evaluating the strategies, effectiveness, and challenges of social media mobilization, the study contributes to a broader understanding of digital activism and its impact on socio-political movements.
The findings of this study can inform activists, policymakers, scholars, and social media platform developers about the dynamics of using social media for political mobilization. It offers insights into best practices for leveraging social media to organize and sustain movements, as well as the potential pitfalls to be aware of. Additionally, the study highlights the transformative potential of social media in giving voice to marginalized groups and fostering inclusive participation in political processes.
1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study
The study focuses on the EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria, specifically analyzing the role of social media in mobilizing the movement. The case study approach allows for an in-depth examination of the strategies, effectiveness, and challenges of social media mobilization within the specific context of Nigeria. The study period covers the protests in 2024, providing a contemporary perspective on the issues at hand. While the findings may have broader implications for other contexts, the scope is limited to Nigeria and may not be directly applicable to other countries or regions.
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms
EndBadGovernance Protests: A series of demonstrations in Nigeria aimed at addressing issues of poor governance, corruption, and economic mismanagement.
Social Media: Digital platforms used for communication, organization, and mobilization of protests, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Political Mobilization: The process of organizing and encouraging people to participate in political movements or advocacy efforts.
Digital Activism: The use of digital tools and platforms to advocate for social or political causes.
Misinformation: False or misleading information spread deliberately or unintentionally, which can undermine the credibility of a movement.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
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