SOCIAL MEDIA AND MASS DEMONSTRATIONS IN NIGERIA: A PARADIGM SHIFT IN THE STATE OF THE POLITY

Abstract

Mass demonstrations which exploded during the twentieth century have reflected the key aspect of a state’s political life as well as the bond between the leaders and their citizenry. These demonstrations in form of general strikes and rallies have always been employed by activists and union leaders to press home their demands and grievances. However, the advent of information technology via the use of social media platforms have added more colouration to the strategies adopted for mass actions. In view of the aforesaid, the study examines the relationship between social media and mass demonstrations using #OccupyNigeria and #EndSARS protests as case studies. It also explored the outcome of such relationship and how the relationship will further engender true democracy in the future. The study adopted secondary method of data collection through the use of newspapers, online journals, government publications and library materials. Findings revealed that the advent of information technology in Nigeria via the use of social media platforms such as: whatsapp, twitter, facebook, instagram etc. marked a paradigm shift in the political, economic and socio-cultural aspects of the country. This is because the outcome influenced policy reforms, fostered international recognition and solidarity, served as a voice to the voiceless and finally, bridged the gap between religious and ethnically diverse groups towards the actualization of a common goal. The study therefore concludes that with proper regulation of these various social media platforms, the attainment of a true democracy will be imminent.