An appraisal of the impact of online political misinformation on electoral participation in Nsukka Local Government, Enugu State
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Background of the Study
Online political misinformation has emerged as a significant concern in contemporary electoral processes, influencing public opinion and participation. In Nsukka Local Government, Enugu State, the spread of false information via social media platforms disrupts informed decision-making among voters (Ikechukwu, 2023). Digital misinformation often takes the form of manipulated content, biased narratives, and unverified reports that may sway voter attitudes and behaviors. Scholars have emphasized the critical need to understand how misinformation undermines electoral integrity and democratic engagement (Udeme, 2024). The rapid propagation of false information, combined with algorithm-driven content delivery, poses challenges for maintaining a well-informed electorate. This study seeks to critically evaluate the impact of online political misinformation on electoral participation, exploring its roots, mechanisms, and consequences for democratic processes (Chimaroke, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
The proliferation of online political misinformation in Nsukka has raised concerns about its impact on electoral participation. Misinformation creates confusion, undermines voter confidence, and may lead to disengagement from the democratic process. There is a need to empirically assess how false narratives affect voter turnout and participation levels. The challenge lies in quantifying the extent to which misinformation influences electoral behavior, particularly among different demographic groups. Addressing this gap is essential to formulating strategies to enhance information accuracy and safeguard electoral integrity (Eze, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
- To assess the impact of online political misinformation on electoral participation.
- To identify the key sources and mechanisms of misinformation dissemination.
- To propose strategies to mitigate the effects of misinformation on voter behavior.
Research Questions:
- How does online political misinformation affect electoral participation in Nsukka?
- What are the primary channels through which misinformation is disseminated?
- What strategies can be employed to counteract misinformation and promote voter engagement?
Research Hypotheses:
- H₁: Online political misinformation negatively affects electoral participation in Nsukka.
- H₂: The prevalence of misinformation is inversely related to voter turnout.
- H₃: Interventions aimed at improving information verification increase electoral participation.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it sheds light on the detrimental effects of online political misinformation on democratic processes. The insights gained may inform policy interventions to promote accurate information dissemination and increase electoral participation (Okafor, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study is limited to examining the impact of online political misinformation on electoral participation in Nsukka Local Government, Enugu State, and does not address misinformation in other regions or offline contexts.
Definitions of Terms:
- Political Misinformation: False or misleading information related to political events and candidates.
- Electoral Participation: Involvement of citizens in the electoral process, including voting.
- Digital Misinformation: The spread of inaccurate or false information via digital platforms.
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