Research Article

Online Activism and Political Knowledge among Nigerian Youth during the 2023 Elections: Analyzing the Role of Online Information Sources

Bolanle Nafisat Akeusola
Department of Sociological Studies, Lagos State University of Education, Nigeria
* Corresponding author
DOI icon 10.24018/ejsocial.2023.3.5.495

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Submitted 2023-08-22
Published 2023-10-19

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Article Main Content

This study appraises the nexus between online activism, political knowledge, and the mediating influence of diverse online information sources among Nigerian youth during the 2023 elections. Through an analysis of these relationships, this study contributes to a nuanced understanding of digital spaces' role in shaping young individuals' political awareness. Specifically, this study examines whether engagement in online activism during the 2023 Nigerian elections positively correlates with increased levels of political knowledge among Nigerian youth and whether the extent of exposure to diverse online information sources mediates the influence of engagement in online activism on political knowledge. This study employs a quantitative approach incorporating techniques such as Pearson’s correlation and mediation analysis. Data were collected through an online survey of 409 Nigerian youth aged 18–35. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between online activism and political knowledge, substantiating the hypothesis that active participation in digital advocacy enhances political awareness among Nigerian youths. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that exposure to diverse online information sources mediates the relationship between engagement in online activism and political knowledge, emphasizing the role of online platforms as conduits for political information and awareness. These findings underscore the pivotal role of online platforms in shaping the political knowledge landscape of Nigerian youth during the 2023 elections.

Keywords: Activism efficacy political knowledge social media

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