THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE NIGERIAN COVID 19 STRETCH IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE. (SURVEY OF EKENHUAN DISTRICT)

ABSTRACT

This study, which evaluated The Use of Social Media in the Nigerian Covid 19 Stretch, was anchored on the tenets of Agenda Setting Theory, and the Gate Keeping Theory. The survey design was adopted, with a 20-item questionnaire to elicit data from 398 respondents selected from the total population of 75,000 Residents of Ekenhuan District and students of the University of Benin (Ekenhuan Campus) through simple random sampling technique. Data obtained were presented and analyzed with the aid of frequency tables and simple percentages. Findings revealed that Social media played big role in curbing the effects of the Pandemic. Social Media has successfully proven, over different areas, in different communities and through varying styles and models, to be one of the most effective medium of Conscientization and Propaganda. It has been a powerful tool force in shaping and reshaping communities. In a Crisis, such as this, Social media should be at the forefront of Conscientization process, coming up with creative ways to positively influence their communities, eliminate apathy and educate them. In the 21^st Century, Social media has provided a wide range of easy and convenient alternatives, and is employed in varying levels by majority of the Populace ; in a Pandemic such as COVID 19 when there is a lockdown and restriction on physical contact, Social media should be used to disseminate creative contents to reach the publics, not just for profit, but for the betterment of the communities and Nation.