Effectiveness of Social Media in Unifying Fragmented Nigerian Societies

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of social media in unifying fragmented Nigerian societies, using Ebonyi state as a case study. The basic assumptions of Media Ecology Theory (MET) provided the premises for this study. The descriptive survey research method was adopted, and a structured questionnaire with close-ended questions was the data collection instrument. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the respondents who filled the questionnaire. The Australian calculator was used to empirically reduce the study population to a researchable sample size of 384. Findings from the data analysis show an impressive growth rate of smartphone ownership, internet access, and social media use in Ebonyi state. The use of social media has helped shape the lives of residents of the state socially. Findings also show traces of social fragmentation and disunity in the state. However, most of the respondents agree that, through social media, they make friends from a clan, tribe, ethnicity, state, or even country other than theirs. Based on these and other findings, the researcher recommends that “Effectiveness of social media in unifying fragmented Nigerian societies” be taught as a subject, module or course at secondary and higher levels of learning to help create national consciousness among Nigerians. Consequently, this study concludes that social media possess the potency/ability to unify Nigerians and should be adopted as practical tools for unifying fragmented Nigerian societies.