M. Grace Akintaro

This research explores the influence of social media in shaping political attitude among first-time voters in Nigeria, focusing on the 2023 National Assembly Elections in Karu Community, FCT Nigeria. Social media has become a crucial factor in modern electoral processes, and understanding its impact is essential for democratic consolidation. The study aims to examine the social media platforms predominantly used during elections, understand social media's influence on voters' perception, and identify the challenges associated with the use of social media in the democratic process. The study surveyed respondents in Karu Community, FCT Abuja, gathering data on their social media usage, political engagement, and perceptions. Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp are the predominant platforms used by voters. Social media played a pivotal role in shaping voters' perceptions and influencing electoral outcomes. It is a key source of political information, but also spreads misinformation and hate speech. Respondents overwhelmingly agree that social media influences their views on political candidates. Misinformation is the top challenge, followed by lack of credible sources and perceived bias. The study highlights social media's significant role in modern electoral processes, shaping voter perceptions and influencing outcomes. While it provides a conduit for politicians to reach voters, it also poses challenges like misinformation and hate speech. Electoral stakeholders and policymakers should harness social media's potential while mitigating its challenges. Regulations can ensure social media platforms are used responsibly and ethically during electoral processes, promoting a more informed and engaged citizenry essential for democratic consolidation in Nigeria and other emerging democracies

The study examined on the perception of mass media as tools for sensitizing the public about infectious pandemic: a case study of corona virus in Benin City, Nigeria. Survey method was adopted and the instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire. Using the Taro Yameni formula, 400 people were sampled from the population of 1,495,800 in Benin City being the capital of Edo state, these Statistic figures of 2016 population census, during the cause of this survey. 400 questionnaires were distributed through the city and all 342 were retrieved. Data collected was analyzed in tables and simple percentages. The media play an important role in the dissemination of information on the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), first identified in Wuhan China in December2019, has rapidly spread to almost every region of the world. To prevent spread of the virus, civil societies and government agencies embarked on enlightenment campaigns for good hygiene and social distancing. However, it is important to measure whether the population is receiving information that calms it down, as well as whether such news are in accordance with the magnitude of the issue. This study assessed knowledge and perceptions about COVID-19 among the general public in Nigeria during the initial week of the pandemic lockdown in the country. The findings affirm that Nigerians are highly knowledgeable about COVID-19 and their premier sources of information about the pandemic is the social media. Covid -19 pandemic is one of the major public health concerns in the country. Using the mass media in creating the awareness through the media campaign of breast cancer has become imperative.