CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

A central component of politics is a collaborative dynamic method of ruling culture and making choices about its members' welfare. Politics pervades many aspects of the economy, society, and the climate. Its impact, particularly on policy development, implementation, and regulation, cannot be overstated. It has an effect on the lives of all individuals in society, either specifically or indirectly. A political education curriculum that does not provide a critical and innovative analysis of politics in philosophy and experience is detrimental to society (Pacho, 2014). Citizenship education is becoming a very critical research area all around the world. Political education, on the other hand, has a significant role in citizenship education. As a result, the number of studies on citizenship education and political education is rapidly increasing (Kus & Tarhan, 2016). However, strong political awareness is essential not only for teaching politics, seeking a career as a skilled politician, or working in a government ministry, but also for working in several specialized agencies and charitable organizations, voting, and having political conversations (Pacho, 2014). Political schooling is arguably incomplete in Nigeria. People do not receive sufficient orientation from the government; media only set agendas for civilians to battle, most of which are not always correct; as a result, coordinated attempts by the masses toward progress are essentially unattainable since the people are separated from what the government is doing. However, since the advent of social media, the narratives have shifted. Social networking has greatly aided in educating the public on a wide range of issues that are essential to them and have an effect on the nation as a whole. People are increasingly utilizing the internet, with social networking platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn leading the way. As a result, in this globalisation period, the internet plays a critical role in changing democratic views, encouraging political participation, and influencing voting behavior internationally. Social networking is described as "a modern information network and information technology that uses a mode of communication based on interactive and user-generated content to build and sustain interpersonal relationships" (Sanatokeskus TSK: Sosaalisen median sanato. Helsinki 2010). Twitter therefore encourages dialogue and collective engagement in a variety of human interests. As a result, the unrestricted social existence of Twitter has provided many ways for the public to comment on a variety of Nigeria-related topics. This analysis would show that the tools provided by Twitter have allowed Twitter users a huge amount of power to influence the political and social facets of Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of problem

The issue is that progressive activists in Nigeria have struggled to mobilize their political efforts and communicate with mass viewers and potential followers via social media. The issue stems from the essence of the mass media. Given the ever-increasing number of Tweeps (Twitter users) and, as a result, the exponential rise in Tweets, especially in the run-up to elections, the issue of the true motive of those who use Twitter for political discussions becomes an interesting one to investigate. Why do people use Twitter to discuss politics? Do they use them to canvas views, market specific points of view, censor opposition, indulge in political party advocacy, activism, knowledge building, balanced intelligence exchange, or self-aggrandizement/self-projection? This self-projection/self-aggrandizement hypothesis of twitter interaction is founded on a single main assumption: Twitter users are objective actors that utilize social media for particular purposes. Thus, although their behavior and tweets on Twitter seem unreasonable, this same tweets, this same show of rage, are motivated by certain rationality.

1.3 Objective of the study

The following are primary objective of the study

1. To find out the extent to which the use of Twitter has provided political education to the Edo twitter community

2. Investigate people's views about the usage of social media handles for information dissemination

1.4 Research questions

1. Do Twitter have an effect on people's political education in Edo State?

2. What are people's views on the usage of social media handles to disseminate information?

1.5 Significance of the study

 This study would be of benefit to lawmakers and political parties on the role of Twitter in contemporary political Education. This research would also help the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society groups devise programs to encourage the usage of digital media technology in Nigeria's democratic process.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study aims to investigate  the role  of Twitter as a tool for political education and the respondent of this study will be the Edo twitter community

1.7 Limitation of the study

Financial restriction- Inadequate funding tends to hinder the researcher's productivity in locating related materials, literature, or records, as well as in the data collection phase (internet, questionnaire and interview).Time restriction- The researcher will conduct this thesis alongside other scholarly work. As a result, the amount of time spent on analysis would be reduced.

1.8 Definition of terms

Political Education: Political education is a desideratum for enhanced political skills, knowledge and participation in democracy.

Twitter: is a social media site, and its primary purpose is to connect people and allow people to share their thoughts with a big audience

References

1. Nwachukwu, E.  Noel, I (2018) Twitter as a tool for political discourse in NIGERIA: Dialogue, self aggrandizement or party politicking

2. Dewi, K.S , Bahtiar, M. , Muslim, D.A , Idola, P.P (2020) Political leaders and followers attitudes: Twitter as a tool for political communication

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