ASSESSMENT OF PERCEIVED IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON POLITICAL DISCOURSE AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AMONG RESIDENTS OF ENUGU METROPOLIS

The rapid growth and usage of social media networks by the young public propelled the researcher to focus on the research essence of social media. The utilization of social media networks or time spent on information sharing by an individual with others diverted the behaviour of social media users to participate in solving causes of society. This study therefore, assessed the perceived impact of social media on political discourse and civic engagement among residents in Enugu metropolis. The study was anchored on the Uses and Gratifications Theory and the Technological Determinism Theory. The researcher adopted the survey research method for the execution of the study. A sample of 400 was drawn from a population of 1,092,668 using the Taro Yamane formula. The measuring instrument of the study was the questionnaire which was structured into open-ended and close-ended questions. Copies were made and administered to elicit data from the respondents. The research questions were analysed using simple percentage table while the research hypotheses were tested using the Chi-Square statistical table. The researcher found out among others, that social media contribute to political knowledge of residents of Enugu metropolis. The researcher recommended among others, that Nigerian electorates should be encouraged to embrace the positive use of the social media so as to remain updated on information that has to do with election.