Social media influence and youth mobilization: implications for public security in Kawempe Division, Kampala District

Abstract

The study focused on the influence of social media on youth mobilization and their implication on public security in Kawempe Division, Kampala District. The sample population was 397. The researcher adopted a mixed-methods study design. Study participants were selected using simple random sampling and census sampling techniques. Data was collected using interview guide, a questionnaire, and a document review guide. The regression inferential results indicate a strong influence (Adjusted R Square = .957) posed by social engagement on public security. Given the adjusted R Square (0.957), it was established that social engagement was responsible for a 95.7% variation experienced in public security within Kawempe Division. These findings further affirm that social engagement (frequency of social media use, type of platforms accessed, and internet availability) had an outstanding influence on crime rate, public trust, safe public places, and community-police collaboration within Kawempe Division. ANOVA results which affirm that social engagement was indeed a high significant predicting variable of public security. This was based on F=8125.855 with the p<0.01=0.000. This explains a strong and reliable relationship affirming that social engagement can substantially enhance public security in Kawempe Division. It was concluded that, there was adequate evidence affirming that the social media engagement had a considerable influence on public security in Kawempe Division. The study recommends that responsible agencies such as the UCC, NITA, and others should ensure that social media engagement standards are steadily aligned with the state’s overarching strategic aims to improve online engagement as a way to reinforce and promote safe digital spaces.