THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN SHAPING YOUTH POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN ANAMBRA STATE

PERSPECTIVES FROM CATHOLIC AND PENTECOSTAL YOUTH IN AWKA METROPOLIS

Abstract

The study examined the role of social media in shaping youth political participation in Awka Metropolis of Anambra state from perspectives of religions institutions specifically Catholic and Pentecostal churches. The objectives of the study were to determine, the influence of perceived usefulness of social media on youth political participation in Awka Metropolis, the influence of perceived behavioural control towards the use of social media and subjective norms towards the use of social media for political participation. The study was anchored on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The population of study was 86,600 which were obtained from the ministry of youth development in Awka, Anambra state. More so, 400 youths were sampled using structured questionnaire. The study adopted Systematic Random Sampling Techniques. Data were analysed by using descriptive statistical e.g. mean and percentage and inferential statistics e.g. multiple regression Analysis. Findings revealed that there was significant relationship between subjective norms and political participation, perceived usefulness, perceived behavioural control and political participation. Hence supporting various theoretical framework and empirical literature on youth engagement in politics. The study recommended that religious institutions should leverage on social media and digital platforms to promote positive social norms around political participation. They should also integrate civic education in their church programs emphasizing the relevance of political engagements by youths since Nigeria population is dominated by youths.