ANTHONY OFUMERE ONAGBOMENA

This study explores how social networking sites (SNS) influenced youth political participation during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, focusing on students at the University of Benin, Edo State. With young people (ages 18–35) forming the largest voting demographic in Nigeria, understanding their digital political engagement is crucial. The research examines how platforms like Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok shaped students’ political awareness, expression, and involvement. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 130 survey respondents, 6 interviewees, and 6 focus groups. Quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS (v28.0), while NVivo 12 supported thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s six-phase model. The study is grounded in the Uses and Gratifications Theory, Political Efficacy Theory, and the Digital Engagement Model. Findings show that social networking sites increased political information access, fostered discussions, and mobilized many students to participate, especially online. However, concerns over misinformation, apathy, and distrust in online content were noted. While social media is not a cure-all for youth disengagement, it offers valuable tools for political participation such as democratized access to political information, real-time electoral updates, direct communication channels with political figures, cost-effective engagement platforms, opportunities for grassroots mobilization, spaces for political discourse and debate, voter education resources, and community building among like-minded citizens.