Discourses on Communication and Media Studies in Contemporary Society

In every democratic society, the quest for power and the agitation for change have been recurrent decimals. Politicians who seek for control seek to achieve their aims through political parties that support their ideologies, visions and aspirations. In the same vein, those who seek to change the status and champion the ideas of revolution also form groups to actualise their visions. Both parties however cannot achieve their aims and ambitions without getting the support of the generality of the people. However, the target supporters need convincing information before they could also join the train. This is where the media comes in as a veritable tool of political socialisation. The entrance of globalisation into world politics has changed the socio-political milieu of global politics. Globalisation stands as an Octopus with its tentacles in every aspect of human activities and interactions. However, the strength of globalisation lies in transformations and technological advancements in the nature, timing, and efficacy of the internet. The internet, which supports various social platforms such as the Facebook, twitter, Whatsapp, Instagram, telegram, and many others, are faster and open to quicker response than the orthodox media forums such as the print media, television, radio, etc. and, therefore, has become veritable instrument of information gathering, dissemination, and evaluation. Therefore, the internet in this era of globalisation plays a vital role in shaping political attitudes, promoting political involvements and influences voting behaviour globally. Social media may be defined as “the new information network and information technology, using a form of communication utilising interactive and user- produced content and interpersonal relationships are created and maintained (Helsinki, 2010). Social media, therefore, promote interaction and public participation over various issues of human concerns. Therefore, the unhindered interactive nature of social media has given vast opportunities to the public to engage in interactions over several issues that relates to Nigeria. This study, therefore, aimed revealing the opportunities created by social media for political mobilisation