DIGITAL PUBLIC SPHERE

Digital Public Sphere in Nigeria

Digital Public Sphere in Nigeria

Introduction

The current happenings in all parts of the world; the recent and on-going Arab Spring revolution, the turmoil in Egypt, Tunisia, Nigeria and Libya have further raised discussion on the role of internet and social media as a tool for political mobilisation towards regime change and pro-democratic movement. So many scholars, journalists and political analysts have reiterated the importance of social media and the internet as an undeniable force for good government and sustainable democracy.

Before the uprising in the Arab World, the revolution in Iran and Moldova were eagerly tagged “Twitter Revolution” interpreted by the International Community as an instance of a young , hip and tech- savvy generation overthrowing their archaic authoritarian rulers by monopolizing the digital space (Allagui, 2009). The successful execution of the protest in the Arab world with the aid of internet and some media technology led to the adoption of social media and the internet by scholars, activists, politicians and journalist as an instrument of change. This development has been covered by numerous researches in media, communication and political studies.

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of digital public sphere such as Nigeria Village Square, Sahara Reporters, Naira Land and Huhuonline on democratic system and media practice in Nigeria. Also, one of the aims of this study is to identify and explore how developing democracies can build a solid democratic culture around the effective digital public sphere.

In this study, my research interest will be based on “Social Media”, “Networking” and “Democracy”. This study also tends to examine the attitude of some Nigerians on the internet and how they are engaging with issues of national concerns on the digital public sphere.

Literature Review

Media And Democracy In Nigeria

Political scientists, scholars in the field of communication and public relation have stressed the importance of media performance for the sustainability of any democracy. The relationship that exists between media performance and the attainment of vibrant politics, effective and progressive political activities in democracies transcend beyond simple or mutual relationship. Denis McQuail, et al (2005) maintained that the media have a complex relationship with sources of power and political system. He further argued that, the main driving force of the duo is the aim of promoting the common interest of the society.

Also, John Keane (1993) pointed out that media helps to circulate to a wide variety of opinion to the citizenry. Politics serves as a means of sustained democratic system through goods governance, protection and advancement of people's right. Also, politics creates an enabling environment for political participation while the media plays sturdy and complex role to secure and uphold a formidable democratic system (in the societal serenity that was enhanced through the politics) .The importance of politics to the society prompted the media to focus more on the government and it components. The media is meant to checkmate and criticize bureaucratic incompetence and the abuse of power by those in the ...