SOCIAL MEDIA AS JOINT ARENA OF VOTERS AND POLITICIANS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Today, the social media space has virtually captured all aspects of human activities. It is a medium of communication that is vibrant, vital and active; giving room for “on the spot” information. It has become a potent weapon for both consumers and developers of contents, and is easily accessible to all and sundry, given the high level innovations in the telecommunication industry across the globe. Within the political space, it has gained ascendency to various issues and has served as a platform for robust debates and interactions. At the same time, it is a tool of manipulation for both the political elite and the preliterate. The flexible nature of the social media places it within a social space, a tool that can be used negatively or positively based on prevailing interest of all parties herein involved. As far as the political arena is concerned, it brings together politicians and voters into constant interactions. In view of this, this article aimed at examining the social media as a joint arena for voters and politicians in Nigeria with a view to portraying the working parameters and tools of engagement. This paper deployed critical analysis of interactions between voters and politicians using Mediamorphosis as a theoretical framework.  The findings of this paper shows that social media serve as interactive platform for both parties. The paper recommends that this culture should be made more transparent and free to engender political accountability and stability.