Author(s)

Nathan Udoinyang^1*, Osajie Justina Nwazuni²

Affiliation(s)

¹Department of Economics, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State 500102 Nigeria.

²Department of Religion and Human Relations, University of Agbor, Delta State, 321281, Nigeria.

Corresponding Author

Nathan Udoinyang

ABSTRACT

This research explored the effects of social media and protests on the Nigerian economy and democracy, focusing on the #EndSARS and end bad governance protests. The study utilized primary and secondary data, with a sample size of 400 participants. The findings revealed numerous negative impacts, including decreased work hours, disruption of economic activities, spread of misinformation, reduced job-seeking efforts, weakened currency, and strained government resources. Social media and protests also led to division within Nigerian society, intimidation of opposing voices, threats to national unity, and erosion of democratic norms. The study emphasized the need for government regulations on social media, promotion of digital literacy, responsible online usage, addressing socio-economic issues driving protests, and fostering dialogue for democratic reforms. Overall, while acknowledging the benefits of social media, it warned against its negative impacts on the economic and political systems of a country and stressed the importance of mitigating these effects to maintain stability and progress.

KEYWORDS

Democracy; Economy; End SARS; Governance; Protest; Social Media; Nigeria

CITE THIS PAPER

Nathan Udoinyang, Osajie Justina Nwazuni. Social media and protest on the Nigeria economy and democracy: a case study of end SARS and bad governance protest. Trends in Social Sciences and Humanities Research. 2024, 2(9): 37-44. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/tsshr3088.

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