CONCEPTUALISING THE ACCESS, CONTROLAND INTRICACIES OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA IN NIGERIA

The emergence of Internet technologies and subsequent development of social media platforms have rapidly changed how people communicate with one another, respond to media messages and construct narratives about themselves. While this innovation continues to bridge the communication gaps and eliminate the moderation (gatekeeping) associated with conventional media, members of the audience have in the modem day, become not only passive receivers, but active participants in the creation and distribution of media contents. Amidst this, current focus of communication researchers is tilted towards exploring the potential of social media to contribute in influencing the socioeconomic and political settings of the society in positive or negative directions. However, this paper examines the excessive freedom associated with the access and use, among other features of social media, with the view to understanding the obvious implications posed by this innovation to societal wellbeing. While there are no convincing reasons indicating, however, that the internet and social media usage are beyond regulation, the paper concludes that there is the need to moderate the pattern of^users’ interaction on the platform, so as to reduce its potential of igniting physical conflict among the diverse population of Nigeria.