Abstract: The core objective of the study is to examine the perception of social media on the 2023 presidential election with a particular focus on students of Researchcage University, Lagos. The study was anchored on Agenda-Setting Theory and Social Judgment Theory to give the study the needed footing. A cross-sectional survey research method was adopted while questionnaire was used to elicit responses from the respondents within Researchcage University, Lagos using accidental sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) while the data were presented with the aid of tables. The study found out that majority of the respondents used social media platforms to source for political information daily during the 2023 presidential election as a result, a significant number of the respondents disclosed that social media political information influenced their opinion during the 2023 presidential election to some extent. Moreover, a larger percentage of the respondents pointed out that source of the information was the core factor that influenced their trust in social media as a source of information during the 2023 presidential election. On the credibility nature of social media political information, majority of the respondents noted that texts, pictures and videos shared on social media during the 2023 presidential election were partially credible. It is recommended that social media platforms should have clear policies in place for dealing with false information and should be more proactive in removing it from their platforms, also, voters should be taught how to identify false information on social media and how to verify the accuracy of information before sharing it.
INTRODUCTION
Social media has emerged as a powerful platform for political campaigns, enabling candidates to directly engage with voters, disseminate information, and shape public opinion. The advent of social media has revolutionized the way information is disseminated, discussed, and shared. In recent years, social media platforms have become prominent sources of news and public discourse, especially during significant events such as general elections. The 2023 general election witnessed a surge in social media coverage, shaping public opinion and influencing political narratives.
Social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, have democratized the spread of information during the 2023 general election. Unlike traditional media outlets, social media allows anyone with internet access to share and discuss political news and opinions. This widespread access to information has empowered individuals to engage in political conversations and has facilitated a more inclusive democratic process (Ceron, Curini and Iacus, 2020).
In the same vein, social media coverage has provided a platform for marginalized voices and grassroots movements to be heard, enabling political engagement from previously underrepresented communities. Hashtags such as #YouthVote and #WomenInPolitics have facilitated discussions about the need for diverse representation, fostering a more inclusive political dialogue (Ibrahim, Hassan and Okoli, 2023).
Meanwhile, during the 2023 presidential election, social media platforms facilitated the rapid dissemination of breaking news and real-time updates particularly during the announcement of results polling unit by polling unit. This instantaneous nature of social media coverage allowed citizens to stay informed and engaged with unfolding events, promoting a sense of political awareness and political participation (Ogunlesi, 2023).
One major concern regarding social media coverage of the 2023 presidential election is the formation of echo chambers. Due to algorithms that personalize content based on user preferences, individuals tend to be exposed to information that aligns with their existing beliefs, leading to a polarized online environment (Flaxman, Goel, and Rao, 2016). This phenomenon can reinforce existing biases, limit exposure to diverse perspectives, and contribute to political polarization such as religious (false prophesies) and tribalistic viewpoint.
Similarly, the 2023 general election witnessed an alarming rise in the spread of misinformation and disinformation through social media platforms. False news articles, false prophesies, manipulated images, and misleading narratives circulated rapidly, misleading voters and distorting public opinion (Guess, Lerner, Lyons and Nyhan, 2020). The lack of editorial oversight and the speed at which content spreads on social media make it difficult to contain the spread of false information, undermining the integrity of the electoral process. Hence, this study is on the thrust to investigate the perception of social media on the 2023 presidential election with a particular focus on Researchcage University, Lagos.
Statement of the Problem
It is an undeniable fact that social media platforms have become important sources of news and politics. Some argue that social media creates diversity of voices and political participation, others expressed concern about its ability to manipulate public sentiment through targeted and biased messaging.
Equally, the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms during the 2023 presidential election has undermined the reliability and trustworthiness of the information circulated. The public perception of social media coverage is affected by concerns regarding the accuracy and verifiability of news and political content shared on these platforms.
Social media platforms often face criticism for their lack of accountability in regulating content and addressing issues such as hate speech, fake accounts, and manipulation of information. The public perception of social media coverage is influenced by concerns regarding the platforms’ ability to ensure a fair and unbiased flow of information during the election.
Although, there are lots of the studies that have been conducted to explain the influence of social media in political participation, mobilization and campaigns, however, there are still a few empirical studies in Nigeria on how social media coverage shaped public opinion during the 2023 general election. It is against this backdrop that this study is on the thrust to investigate the perception of social media on the 2023 presidential election with a particular focus on Researchcage University, Lagos.