SOCIAL MEDIA AS A TOOL FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN AKOKO EDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE
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Abstract
This study examined the function of social media as a tool for civic engagement among young adults in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, filling a research void in this rural demographic. Data were collected using a descriptive survey method through a structured questionnaire administered to a target population of young adults aged 18–35 years, yielding 138 analyzed
responses from a total of 150 distributed. The data revealed two significant findings: firstly, platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook are crucial, utilized daily by the majority of respondents for information sharing, awareness dissemination, and communication with government officials. Second, social media makes people much more aware of politics and gets people involved in their communities, but it is not very effective because of problems like slow internet speeds and the spread of false information. The study suggests that better internet infrastructure and media literacy training for young adults should be put in place to promote responsible and effective political participation.
responses from a total of 150 distributed. The data revealed two significant findings: firstly, platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook are crucial, utilized daily by the majority of respondents for information sharing, awareness dissemination, and communication with government officials. Second, social media makes people much more aware of politics and gets people involved in their communities, but it is not very effective because of problems like slow internet speeds and the spread of false information. The study suggests that better internet infrastructure and media literacy training for young adults should be put in place to promote responsible and effective political participation.
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