Social Media: An Effective Tool for Social Mobilization in Nigeria (original) (raw)
The explosion of social media in recent times, has dramatically transformed the way information is created, disseminated and distributed. In an age when information equates to power, a diversity of opinion can actually lead to more creative problem solving and more equitable outcomes in a society. This paper examines how social media technologies could be deployed for transformational mobilization and development. It describes the potential role of the social media in promoting social mobilization as a means for sustainable development in Nigeria. Possibilities of using the social media in a way that will benefit the agents of social mobilization were analyzed within the wider framework of actual needs and existing challenges in the country. Among the issues the paper touches upon are the extents to which the social media is being used and can be adapted to improve the social mobilization process. The paper also explored the theoretical framework for the application of these new media tools in communication. The authors argued that social media can become an effective and alternative tool for social mobilization, within the context of the unique multiple platform of new forms of engagement it offers to the audience. Social mobilization here refers to a means of inspiring people to active action and engagement concerning social issues for development purposes. Accordingly, the different social media tools were analyzed extensively and ways to harness the potentials were also discussed, while recognizing the challenges of using these new media forms in a developing economy such as Nigeria.
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