In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Nigeria’s online politics space has become a critical factor in shaping public discourse. To understand this dynamic space, the Food Basket Foundation Initiative commissioned SBM Intelligence for a comprehensive study with the goal to identify the key players, processes, and challenges influencing Nigeria’s digital civic space, particularly concerning political engagement before, during, and after elections.
SBM Intelligence conducted interviews and surveys with 125 respondents, including 52.8 percent males and 47.2 percent females. The majority of participants (54.4 percent) were between 26 to 35 years old, while the 46-55 age group was the least represented, making up only 3.2 percent of respondents. The study involved active social media users, influencers, and policymakers.
Gender disparities in online engagement:
The study highlighted notable gender differences in online political engagement. Males felt more comfortable participating in political discussions (39.39 percent) compared to females (13.56 percent). Conversely, the report showed a higher percentage of females (47.37 percent) felt uncomfortable discussing politics with those who had different views. It also revealed that Males (41.27 percent) were more open to considering alternative perspectives compared to females (24.56 percent).
Social media usage:
According to the report, 87.2 percent of respondents reported frequent use of social media, with 12 percent using it a few times a week and 0.8 percent engaging weekly. While over a seven-day period, 56.8 percent participated in online political discussions, while 43.2 percent preferred non-political conversations.
Online political engagement:
Nearly 41 percent of respondents faced difficulties expressing their political views online with the challenges being bullying (25.8 percent), misinformation (15.8 percent), harassment (15 percent), confirmation bias (10.9 percent), trolling (10.9 percent), lack of privacy (7.5 percent), censorship (6.7 percent), polarization (5.8 percent), and cancel culture (4.2 percent).
Accuracy and fact-checking:
The survey indicated only 3.2 percent of respondents believed online information to be highly accurate. However, 56.8 percent found it somewhat accurate, and less than half (48.8 percent) fact-checked potentially biased or misleading information before sharing it.
Online influencers and threats:
Online influencers held varying degrees of influence on user opinions, with females indicating more moderate influence. The 26-35 age group was the most susceptible to their influence. Fortunately, a significant proportion of respondents reported no threats due to their online political engagement, though stronger measures for online safety were deemed necessary.
Read also: How social media changed the face of politics in Nigeria
Protecting digital civic spaces:
“Respondents stressed the need for verified information dissemination,” the survey read in part. “They recommended actions like regulation and moderation, balancing free speech, privacy and confidentiality, education and awareness, and accountability.”
Trustworthiness of online spaces:
Respondents had mixed opinions regarding the trustworthiness of online political discussions. Around 37.6 percent found them somewhat trustworthy, while 31.2 percent considered them the least trustworthy. Misleading political discussions were prevalent, leading to scepticism among users about the accuracy of online information.
Furthermore, the survey noted that safeguarding Nigeria’s online political environment is crucial in striking a balance between free expression and user safety. It highlighted the importance of regulation, moderation, and education to foster a secure and inclusive digital space for political discussions. “Fact-checking, accountability, and combating misinformation are vital for cultivating a healthy civic space,” according to the survey. “By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can strengthen its online political environment and empower citizens to participate in meaningful, informed, and respectful debates.”
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