Perception of Social Media Influence on the 2023 National Assembly Election: A Study of the 2023 National Assembly Elections in Karu Community, FCT, Nigeria.
Thesis
The mass adoption of social media and its influence on all aspects of life including the democratic process is undeniable. Meanwhile, the perception of social media as it influenced the decision of the electorate in the 2023 National Assembly election in the Karu Community of Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria was blurred, Despite the large percentage of youth who are users and enthusiasts of social media the outcome of 2023 National Assembly Election in the community above did not seem to reflect the influence of social media. In Karu ward (Abuja Municipal Area Council-AMAC) Abuja, All incumbent chairmen won the chairmanship election during the 2023 election. However, the incumbent senator of (Abuja Municipal Area Council-AMAC) lost Senate of the National Assembly to another party candidate. This research work intends to provide answers to the following objectives: The primary objective of this study is to assess the perception of social media influence on the 2023 election: a study of the 2023 national assembly elections in Karu community, FCT, Nigeria. The specific objectives are as follows: i. To examine the Social Media platform(s) between Facebook and X (formally Twitter) that is predominantly used in the 2023 National Assembly Elections in Karu community, FCT Nigeria. ii. To assess the influence of social media platforms [Facebook and X (formally Twitter)] on voter perceptions during the 2023 National Assembly Elections in Karu community, FCT Nigeria. iii. What challenges do individuals encounter when utilizing social media (Facebook and X (formally Twitter) for political information within the context of electoral processes? To identify the challenges associated with the use of social media [Facebook and X (formally Twitter)] in electoral processes Utilizing the Agenda Setting and Democratic Theory, this study investigated the influence of social media on the 2023 National Assembly elections in Karu Community, FCT. Employing a survey research design with an online questionnaire, data was collected from 100 registered electorate (respondents) for the 2023 election in Karu (Abuja Municipal Area Council-AMAC). The responses were analysed using a simple percentage. The findings highlighted the widespread and impactful role of social media in daily engagement, with Twitter, WhatsApp and Facebook as primary channels for election-related information. The dominance of user-generated content emphasized active citizen participation in shaping political narratives. The prevalence of fake news or misinformation underscored the need for vigilance and fact-checking during elections, emphasizing the necessity for effective strategies to combat misinformation and streamline information dissemination. The study concluded that social media not only boosted voter participation but also shaped electoral outcomes during the 2023 National Assembly elections across various demographics. Recommendations include the urgent need for enhancing civic education and digital media literacy programs. Also, implementing effective fact-checking mechanisms directly on social media platforms can swiftly identify and label misinformation, contributing to a more accurate information environment. Regularly reviewing and updating policies on social media platforms is crucial for their relevance and effectiveness in combating misinformation and encouraging a healthy political discourse. Collaborating with government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders is encouraged to collectively tackle challenges and promote responsible social media use during elections.