SOCIAL MEDIA USE IN 2023 ELECTIONS AMONG RESIDENTS OF BENIN METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

This study is based on social media usage in 2023 elections among residents of Benin Metropolis. Since the advent of social media there has been a change in communication process, political participation and elections in Nigeria. It became necessary to embark on the study following the widespread usage of social media among citizens in Nigeria. Hence, the study ensued to evaluate social media use among residents in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Using the survey design, a twelve-item questionnaire was employed to elicit data from Benin City residents who were selected through simple random sampling to represent and reflect the opinions of the residents. Data obtained were presented and analyzed with the aid of frequency tables and simple percentages. It was discovered that majority of residents in Benin use social media for communication, information sourcing etc. however, findings revealed that candidates place campaign messages majorly on social media platforms like twitter, facebook in place of the regular traditional media. Thus the researcher concludes that social media remain a veritable tool that can be utilized by Benin City residents in their everyday communication for better results.