SUMMARY
Importance of Social Media Relations
According to a survey, it is noted that all of the 193 members of the United Nations, have one form of social media presence. According to the survey, all 193 members have a twitter accounts, even China. The advancements in ICT brought about the creation of social media (which has been characterised as digital diplomacy) which these governments have adopted in advancing foreign policy goals. Then, the websites, blogs and social networks have brought leaders of the world closer to the citizens from all corners of the globe. Social media channels are extremely useful for collecting and processing information regarding diplomatic activities as well as for quick communications in urgent situations. Thanks to them, people who live under authoritarian regimes can avoid limitations that disable the free expression of objections to certain issues, resulting in the minimization of authoritarianism. The fact that social media relations does not always requires financial investments and has a low cost compared with the other diplomatic methods, makes it attractive for governments, Ministry of foreign affairs and embassies because it does not cause budget damages. Social media relations favour all kinds of states, but mostly small states, which helps them in achieving their goals in the international arena.
Strengthening international relations
Social media relations have not replaced traditional diplomacy, but it can strengthen the state’s work in international relations quickly and more effectively. Today, it is an essential element for realizing foreign policy. Social media helps a lot in advancing its foreign policy goals, expanding international alignment, and affecting people who never set foot in any of the embassies of the world. Direct public interaction and the involvement of non-state actors make countries to use social media and other forms of digital diplomacy as a way to maintain legitimacy and develop or strengthen relationships in a changing world.1
Proximity with audiences
The geographical distance between Ministries of Foreign Affairs and embassies is less important than it was earlier. Social media have attracted more and more politicians and diplomats of the world with citizens from all corners of the globe. Nations have long reached out to foreign audiences when such efforts advance a particular political or economic goal. Social media enable diplomats to observe events, gather information, and identify key influencers. They also provide channels to influence beyond the traditional audience. They can help in consultation process, policy formulation and help to share ideas.2
Fast and effective communications
Digital technologies are extremely useful for gathering and processing information regarding diplomatic activities as well as for fast communications in urgent situations. They enable governments to think about the consequences of events in different parts of the world and how they affect their country. For example, in times of crisis, embassies can create groups in WhatsApp that include the ambassador, consular officer, press secretary, staff who collects online information, diplomats from the headquarter and staff answering citizens questions on the internet. This group can function as a crisis management cell and enables the collection of real-time information, decision-making and dissemination of information. Whereas, people who live under authoritarian regimes that aim to limit their ability to communicate internally and internationally, thanks to digital technologies can avoid this kind of limitation, enabling the free expression of objections to certain issues, as well as affecting the minimization of authoritarianism. Media coverage is almost instantaneous not only thanks to the media, but also through smart phones and social networks. As evidenced by the revolutions involving the Arab world in the spring of 2011, authoritarian states find it difficult to control the flow of information. Regular communications and frequent exchange of information result in sustainable relationships among international actors, and help coordinate their common interests. Social media, like other forms of technology, are making societies much more democratic, but they are also offering them new
tools of control in power.3
Cost friendly
The usage of social media as a medium in carrying out relations among states is seen cost friendly. Usage of social media limits the spending of funds due to travelling. The initiation of video conferencing calls is less costly than travelling round the globe for conventions and meetings which will further enhance the foreign policy of a state.
Lastly, On the 3rd of June 2021, Twitter took down a tweet by the official handle of the President @MBuhari which faulted on the policies of Twitter. This resulted to proclamations by the Minister of Information Lai Mohammed who made comments concerning this deleted tweet. A day after, it resulted to the ban of Twitter operations in Nigeria. It made this proclamation via its official Twitter handle @FMICNigeria.
"The Federal Government has suspended, indefinitely, the operations of the microblogging and social networking service, Twitter, in Nigeria.”4 The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, announced the suspension in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, citing the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate existence. The Minister said the Federal Government has also directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to immediately commence the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations in Nigeria.”
The ban on Twitter by the government of Nigeria received much backlash from the international community. The United States government via Twitter expressed their displeasure with the happenings in Nigeria. This came moments after the ban was issued by the presidency. The statement issued by the official Twitter account for the United States of America @USinNigeria, exercised displeasure, reiterating the fact of freedom of expression, being a fundamental human right, and the need to ensure maximum communication which would cumulate into fostering peace and unity in the country.
