Facebook use and predictors of political participation among youths: A study of Bauchi, Katagum and Misau local government areas of Bauchi state - Nigeria

Abstract

This quantitative study investigates the relationship between social media use and political participation among youth in Bauchi State, Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design and collected data from 390 sampled respondents aged between 18 and 40 years old in three local government areas (LGA)of the state. One local government was selected from
each senatorial zone. In Bauchi South, Bauchi LGA was selected; Katagum LGA was selected from Bauchi North and Misau LGA was selected from Bauchi Central. Bauchi, Katagum, and Misau Local Government Areas. These LGAs were selected to strategically designed and capture the diversity of experiences among youths in different socio-economic and political contexts within Bauchi State, providing a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between Facebook use and predictors of political participation. Using Krejcie and Morgan table of sample, 96 respondents were sampled from Misau; 108 from Katagum and 187 from Bauchi. The sampling technique employed was stratified random sampling, which involved dividing the population into strata based on gender, age, and level of education. The findings of the study revealed that social media use is positively associated with political participation among youth in Bauchi State. Respondents who reported higher levels of engagement with Facebook exhibited a 23.8% increase in the likelihood of participating in online political discussions (p < 0.01), and a 19.5% increase in the likelihood of engaging in offline voting activities (p < 0.05). Specifically, the study found that youth who use social media more frequently are more likely to engage in political activities such as voting, attending political rallies, and participating in online political discussions. The study also found that social media use can be used to enhance political participation among youth by providing them with access to political information and opportunities to engage with political leaders and organizations. The study recommends that government agencies and non-governmental organizations should utilize social media platforms to educate and mobilize youth to participate in the political
process.