The Effect of Digital Media on Nigerian Semantic Trends: A Case Study of Hashtag Evolution on Twitter
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Background of the Study
Digital media has dramatically reshaped linguistic practices worldwide, and in Nigeria, Twitter has emerged as a pivotal platform for semantic innovation. Hashtags, as succinct linguistic markers, encapsulate complex ideas, social movements, and cultural narratives in a rapidly evolving digital landscape (Ekundayo, 2023). Over time, the meanings attached to these hashtags can shift, reflecting changes in public opinion, cultural trends, and political events (Nwogu, 2024). This study examines the evolution of hashtags on Twitter to explore their effect on Nigerian semantic trends. By analyzing hashtag usage across various digital campaigns and social movements, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms through which digital media drives semantic change. The study employs qualitative content analysis and discourse analysis to trace how hashtags develop new meanings and become embedded in everyday language (Onyema, 2025). The findings aim to provide insights into how digital communication influences language evolution, highlighting the dynamic interplay between technology, culture, and meaning-making in contemporary Nigeria.
Statement of the Problem
While hashtags have become integral to digital discourse in Nigeria, there is limited research on their role in driving semantic evolution. Existing studies tend to focus on quantitative aspects of hashtag usage without a nuanced exploration of how meanings shift over time (Okafor, 2023). This lack of detailed analysis obscures our understanding of the mechanisms behind semantic change in digital communication. As hashtag trends evolve rapidly, the transient nature of their meanings poses challenges for traditional linguistic analysis (Uzo, 2024). Without systematic examination, the broader implications for public discourse and cultural expression remain underexplored. This study aims to address these gaps by providing a comprehensive analysis of hashtag evolution on Twitter, thereby illuminating the effect of digital media on Nigerian semantic trends (Amaka, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
- To analyze the evolution of hashtag semantics on Nigerian Twitter.
- To investigate the socio-cultural factors influencing semantic shifts in digital media.
- To evaluate the broader impact of hashtag evolution on Nigerian semantic trends.
Research Questions
- What are the key semantic trends observed in Nigerian hashtags?
- How do socio-political events influence the evolution of hashtag meanings?
- What implications do these semantic shifts have for digital communication?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it explores the intersection of digital media and semantic innovation by analyzing hashtag evolution on Twitter. The findings will contribute to our understanding of how digital platforms drive language change, influencing public discourse and cultural narratives. The insights gained will benefit linguists, media scholars, and communication experts seeking to understand the dynamic nature of semantic trends in the digital age (Ekundayo, 2023; Onyema, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to the effect of digital media on semantic trends as evidenced by hashtag evolution on Nigerian Twitter.
Definitions of Terms
- Digital Media: Electronic platforms and tools used for communication, such as social media networks.
- Semantic Trends: Patterns and shifts in the meanings of words or phrases over time.
- Hashtag Evolution: The process by which the meanings and usage of hashtags change within digital discourse.
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