Twitter ban in Nigeria: A metaphor for impediment on uses and gratification theory

Dumebi Olannye- Okonofua

doi:10.31295/ijss.v4n1.1665

Authors

Dumebi Olannye- Okonofua
dubiolannye@gmail.com
Post Graduate Student: School of Social Science, Delta State University, Nigeria

Keywords:

Nigeria, social media, Twitter ban, uses and gratification theory

Abstract

The emergence of social media is an innovation that came into existence to bridge the barrier of physical distance between family and friends. This study examines the Twitter ban in Nigeria: a metaphor for impediment on uses and gratification theory. The cross-sectional survey research design method was adopted for this study and an online structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The study population is 120 active social media users. The Stratified random sampling method was used. Using Krejcie Morgan's sample size determination, the sample size was 92 Twitter users. Data collected were analyzed using Simple Percentages as a statistical tool. The findings revealed that the Twitter ban in Nigeria is truly an impediment to the uses and gratification theory. Also, Nigerians depend largely on Twitter to gratify their everyday needs; but with this new law, there is a gap in the need gratification of Nigerians. Twitter is a social media platform designed for the public to freely express themselves while staying connected; it is therefore recommended that the Nigerian government should not overlook the actual purpose of the platform in a bid to create an impression.

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