The impact of social media on urban and rural youth participation in governance in Okitipupa Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria
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Background of the study:
Social media has rapidly transformed the landscape of political engagement, offering new channels for youth participation in governance. In Okitipupa Local Government Area, both urban and rural youth are increasingly using platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp to engage in political debates, mobilize support, and demand accountability from public officials. This digital revolution has democratized access to political information, allowing young people to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and directly interact with policymakers. However, significant disparities exist between urban and rural areas in terms of internet accessibility and digital literacy, which influence the level and quality of youth engagement. While urban youths tend to benefit from better connectivity and more exposure to digital campaigns, rural youths often face infrastructural challenges that limit their participation (Adesola, 2023). Additionally, issues such as misinformation and online polarization can undermine the potential positive impacts of social media on governance (Babatunde, 2024). Consequently, this study investigates how social media influences political participation among youth in both settings and examines the resultant implications for governance and policy-making (Chinwe, 2025).
Statement of the problem:
Despite the transformative potential of social media, there remains a significant gap in understanding its impact on youth participation in governance in Okitipupa. Urban and rural youths experience different challenges in digital engagement due to variations in access, literacy, and infrastructure. This digital divide may lead to unequal political influence and representation. Furthermore, the spread of misinformation and the manipulation of online narratives can hinder informed political participation. Consequently, these challenges undermine the effectiveness of social media as a tool for democratic engagement. Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensuring that all youth, regardless of geographic location, can contribute meaningfully to governance processes (Adesola, 2023; Babatunde, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
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To evaluate the influence of social media on youth political participation in Okitipupa.
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To compare the engagement levels between urban and rural youth.
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To identify challenges and opportunities for enhancing digital political participation.
Research questions:
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How does social media affect youth participation in governance in Okitipupa?
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What are the differences in digital engagement between urban and rural youth?
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What strategies can mitigate the challenges of misinformation and digital divides?
Research Hypotheses:
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H1: Social media usage significantly enhances youth political engagement.
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H2: Urban youth demonstrate higher levels of social media engagement compared to rural youth.
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H3: Misinformation negatively affects the quality of youth political participation.
Significance of the study:
This study sheds light on the transformative role of social media in youth governance, highlighting its potential to democratize political participation and inform policy reforms. By comparing urban and rural contexts, it provides valuable insights into digital disparities and offers recommendations for bridging the gap. The findings can guide policymakers and community leaders in developing strategies that enhance youth engagement and improve governance outcomes. This research is crucial for understanding and harnessing the power of digital platforms in shaping a more inclusive political environment (Babatunde, 2024; Chinwe, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to analyzing the impact of social media on youth participation in governance within Okitipupa Local Government Area. It does not consider other forms of digital engagement or extend to regions outside Okitipupa.
Definitions of terms:
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Social Media: Digital platforms that facilitate communication and information sharing.
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Youth Participation: Active engagement of young individuals in political and civic processes.
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Governance: The processes and structures through which decisions are made and implemented in public affairs.
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