Socio-political Factors Influencing Social Media Gagging in Nigeria. A Case Study of the Twitter Ban in Awka Urban
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The objective of the study is to investigate Socio-political factors influencing social media gagging in Nigeria. A case study of the twitter Ban in Awka Urban. Specifically, the following objectives will be determined;
- To find out the influence of political opposition on twitter ban in Awka Urban
- To ascertain the effect of twitter ban on unemployment in Awka urban
- To ascertain the effect of twitter ban on corruption in Awka Urban
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Our focus in this chapter is to critically examine relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and furthermore recognize the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media are computer-mediated technologies that facilitate the creation and sharing of information, ideas, career interests and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks Users typically access social media services via web-based technologies on desktop computers, and laptops, or download services that offer social media functionality to their mobile devices (e.g., smartphones and tablet computers). When engaging with these services, users can create highly interactive platforms through which individuals, communities and organizations can share, cocreate, discuss, and modify user-generated content or pre-made content posted online. They introduce substantial and pervasive changes to communication between businesses, organizations, communities and individuals. Social media changes the way individuals and large organizations communicate. These changes are the focus of the emerging field of techno-self studies. Social media differ from paper-based media (e.g., magazines and newspapers) or traditional electronic media such as TV broadcasting in many ways, including quality, reach, frequency, interactivity, usability, immediacy, and permanence. Social media operate in a dialogic transmission system (many sources to many receivers). This is in contrast to traditional media which operates under a monologic transmission model (one source to many receivers), such as a paper newspaper which is delivered to many subscribers or a radio station which broadcasts the same programs to an entire city. Some of the most popular social media websites are Baidu Tieba, Facebook (and its associated Facebook Messenger), Gab, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Reddit, Snapchat, Tumblr, Twitter, Viber, VK, WeChat, Weibo, What sApp, Wikia, and YouTube.
Chapter Three
Research Methodology
Research Design
The research design adopted in this research work is the survey research design which involves the usage of self-designed questionnaire in the collection of data. Under the survey research design, primary data of this study will be collected from residents in Awka Urba in order to determine the Socio-political factors influencing social media gagging in Nigeria. A case study of the twitter Ban. The design was chosen because it enables the researcher to collect data without manipulation of any variables of interest in the study. The design also provides opportunity for equal chance of participation in the study for respondents.
Population of Study
The population of study is the census of all items or a subject that possess the characteristics or that have the knowledge of the phenomenon that is being studied (Asiaka, 1991). It also means the aggregate people from which the sample is to be drawn.
Population is sometimes referred to as the universe. The population of this research study will be Seventy-five (75) selected residents in Awka Urba in order to determine the Socio-political factors influencing social media gagging in Nigeria.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter is about the analysis and presentation of data collected from the field through questionnaire. The analysis of the data with particular question immediately followed by the presentation of findings.
As mentioned in chapter three, 75 questionnaires were administered and 50 were retrieved and necessary analysis was carried out on them and presented as follows:
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Socio-political factors influencing social media gagging in Nigeria. A case study of the twitter Ban in Awka Urban. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of Socio-political factors influencing social media gagging in Nigeria
Summary
This study was on Socio-political factors influencing social media gagging in Nigeria. A case study of the twitter Ban in Awka Urban. Three objectives were raised which included: To find out the influence of political opposition on twitter ban in Awka Urban, to ascertain the effect of twitter ban on unemployment in Awka urban and to ascertain the effect of twitter ban on corruption in Awka Urban. The total population for the study is 75 residents of Awka Urban in Anambra state. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies
Conclusion
It can be arguably concluded that the current Nigerian government is bent on circumventing the right to free speech in the country. Looking at the multifaceted implications identified here, which the nation and its people are facing and may have to encounter on account of the Twitter suspension; it is a considered opinion that government should take early measure to nip the crisis in the bud. Since the uproar erupted, Twitter has in a way maintained a conciliatory posture, giving the green-light that it was ready for parley. This is a commendable stance which the Nigerian authority has now taken advantage of. Government should shed its antagonistic toga and embrace dialogue with diplomatic humility which would allow a mutually assured compromise moving forward.
Recommendation
Since the government has now sent representatives to meet with Twitter executives and certain compromise is being reached; the tempo should be kept and both sides are encouraged to make efforts so as to come to a beneficial conclusion.
The federal government of Nigeria should recognize that the ban on Twitter is affecting different spheres of the economy. They should adhere to the terms and rules of ECOWAS and revoke the ban since the ban is a bridge of the fundamental rights of the citizen.
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