Analysis of the Impact of Twitter on National Security in Nigeria

Abstract

In recent years, Nigeria has faced growing insecurity characterized by issues like the Boko Haram insurgency, farmers’/herdsmen clashes, separatist movements, and kidnappings. This study addresses the ongoing debate over the causes of this insecurity, with the government often blaming social media platforms, particularly x (formerly Twitter), while citizens argue that it stems from lack of effective leadership. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the relationship between social media, specifically Twitter, and Nigeria’s national insecurity. By examining the usage patterns of social media and their implications for national security, this study aims to provide insight into how social media contributes to insecurity and suggest mechanisms for the Nigerian government to address security challenges arising from these platforms. The outcome of this study will assist policymakers, media and communication scholars as well as media consumers in making decisions. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data is collected through questionnaire targeting social media users, specifically Twitter subscribers. Secondary data is drawn from published literature, internet sources, and documents related to the impact of social media on national security. Data is presented in a simple table and analysis of data done beneath each table. Based on analysis of questionnaire responses, a key finding of this study is that positive use of Twitter promotes security while negative use of the platform promotes insecurity. Consequently, this study recommends that government agencies, private organisations and individuals who promote good causes should maintain presence and be active on Twitter with the intention of propagating good causes as well as monitoring and countering any negative influence of misguided Twitter users.