An Evaluation of Digital Rhetoric in Nigerian Social Media: A Study of Twitter Political Hashtags
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Background of the Study
Digital rhetoric, the art of persuasive communication in online spaces, plays a critical role in shaping public opinion and political discourse. In Nigeria, Twitter political hashtags have emerged as potent rhetorical tools that encapsulate complex political messages within succinct digital symbols. These hashtags not only mobilize political support but also create spaces for debate and collective identity formation. Nigerian users strategically employ rhetorical devices—such as irony, hyperbole, and emotive appeals—to influence public sentiment and critique governance structures (Adeniyi, 2023). The rapid dissemination and recontextualization of these hashtags have transformed them into dynamic discursive units that reflect both traditional political rhetoric and emergent digital practices. This study examines how Twitter political hashtags are constructed, the rhetorical strategies embedded within them, and their influence on shaping political narratives in Nigeria. It situates digital rhetoric within broader theories of persuasion and communication, highlighting the interplay between digital affordances and socio-political dynamics. By analyzing a corpus of politically charged hashtags, the research aims to illuminate the evolving nature of online political discourse and its implications for democratic engagement in Nigeria (Okoro, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the growing importance of Twitter political hashtags in Nigerian public discourse, there is limited systematic research on their rhetorical composition and impact. While these hashtags have been observed to shape political narratives, the specific strategies that render them effective remain underexplored. Existing studies tend to focus on content dissemination rather than the underlying rhetorical mechanisms, thereby neglecting how persuasive techniques are adapted to digital media. This gap hampers our understanding of how digital rhetoric influences political mobilization and public opinion. This study addresses the need for a comprehensive analysis of digital rhetoric by examining the construction and persuasive power of Twitter political hashtags in Nigeria (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
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To analyze the rhetorical strategies used in Nigerian Twitter political hashtags.
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To assess the impact of these hashtags on political discourse and public opinion.
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To develop a framework linking digital rhetoric to political mobilization.
Research Questions:
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What rhetorical devices are most prevalent in Nigerian Twitter political hashtags?
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How do these devices influence political engagement?
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In what ways do digital affordances shape the persuasive impact of these hashtags?
Significance of the Study
This study provides critical insights into the intersection of digital rhetoric and political communication in Nigeria. Its findings will benefit scholars, political strategists, and media practitioners by revealing how online persuasive practices shape public discourse. The research informs the development of effective communication strategies in the digital age and contributes to theoretical models of digital persuasion (Adeniyi, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to the topic only.
Definitions of Terms:
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Digital Rhetoric: Persuasive language and strategies used in online communication.
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Twitter Political Hashtags: Hashtags on Twitter that encapsulate political messages.
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Persuasive Devices: Techniques used to influence audience opinion.
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