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Social Media, Digital Peacebuilding and Youth Participation in Protests: A Focus on Nigeria

A Focus on Nigeria

Matthias Francis | Bio
University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Bimbola Oluleye | Bio
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Social Media, Digital Peacebuilding and Youth Participation in Protests: A Focus on Nigeria. (2025). De-Centre: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 1(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.36615/y23mh285
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  • Submited: May 30, 2025
  • Published: September 2, 2025

Abstract

Social media has revolutionised youth participation in protests and has developed into a tool for peacebuilding, presenting a means for youth mobilisation, and political engagement. Nonetheless, social media also poses concerns like misinformation, radicalism and has recently forced governance surveillance. While there is much interest in how social media drives protests, there are limited studies focusing on how digital platforms influence peacebuilding activities along protest participation, particularly in the Nigerian context. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of social media on youth participation in protests and digital peacebuilding in Nigeria using the social movement theory and uses and gratifications theory. The study investigates how social media shapes youth participation in protests; examines how social media influence youth participation in digital peacebuilding; assesses the challenges of using social media for peacebuilding and reviews the impacts of social media on peacebuilding in protest contexts. Existing studies suggest that social media has transformed youth participation in protests, facilitating rapid mobilisation and organisation of youths, while also slowing down the influence of traditional media. It will also highlight critical risks that require immediate action. Social media also helps drive and promote inclusiveness in nation building and peace agendas. Nevertheless, challenges such as online opposition, hate speech, governmental scrutiny and tracking, and digital exhaustion threaten its benefits. The study recommends the prioritisation of digital literateness, online autonomy, and free speech while eschewing online intimidation.

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How to Cite
Social Media, Digital Peacebuilding and Youth Participation in Protests: A Focus on Nigeria. (2025). De-Centre: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 1(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.36615/y23mh285

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