Examining the role of social media and mobile social networking applications in socio-political contestations in Nigeria

Social media platforms continue to flourish as practices encompassing them become deeply embedded in many cultures. As more people embrace social platforms, their affordances and opportunities are leading improved communication, helping hold authorities account. To further scrutinize the importance of these this study interrogates role digital socio-political contestations Nigeria by examining used mobilize, coordinate, document 2020 #EndSARS protests Nigeria. Analyses survey data collected during Lagos Port Harcourt, (N = 391) show that demonstrators who were 30 years older WhatsApp Facebook learn about well coordinate participation likely report participating on first day than protesters younger other platforms. Findings illustrate enthusiasm facilitated hedonic-experiential epicurean communication eventuated a process emotional contagion through connective repertoires created propitious conditions for mass collective protest actions. Finally, article discusses how use gave strategic communicative power protests.