Social Media and Political Literacy of Voters in Rural Neighbourhoods in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Social media has evolved into a vital and useful instrument for political literacy and communication, particularly during election seasons. Despite social media's global influence in fostering political literacy and engagement, scholars have focused less on first-time and eligible voters in Nigeria's local neighbourhoods. Objective: The study examined the effect of social media on the political literacy of first-time and eligible voters living in rural communities in the Ethiope East local government area of Delta State, Nigeria. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional research design and gathered data from 275 respondents living in landlocked regions in the Ethiope East local government area of Delta State. The respondents were sampled using a simple random sampling technique. The data were analysed using t-test, correlation, and linear regression analysis. Result: Social media positively and statistically significantly impact the political literacy of first-time and eligible voters living in rural neighbourhoods in the Ethiope East regional government area of Delta State, Nigeria. This is because of increased political literacy and engagement. Thus, social media is becoming an increasingly powerful tool for political electioneering and social engineering. Conclusion: Social media significantly influences the political literacy of first-time and eligible voters living in rural neighbourhoods in Nigeria. Unique Contribution: The study has contributed to a better understanding of the significant influence of social media on the political literacy of first-time and eligible voters living in rural communities in Nigeria. Key Recommendation: Social media organisations should establish fact-checking desks in order to handle the flood of false information that will arise in the run-up to the general elections in 2027.

Keywords

• political literacy
• social media
• political participation
• uses and gratifications theory
• rural community