Abstract:
The new media provides a platform and mechanisms for the masses to express
their opinions whilst exerting influence with respect to political, economic, or
other social decisions. Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, political
participation has increased tremendously in Nigeria. This study examines
youth, new media, and participatory politics in Nigeria. The study is hinged
on Procedural Democratic Theory while the survey research design was
utilized with questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The data
collected is analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study
found that there is a significant relationship between the new media and rise
of participatory politics amongst the youths in Nigeria. Based on the findings,
the study recommends that Nigerians youths should use new media positively
to enhance participatory politics in Nigeria, creation of digital spaces where
political studies and in-depth arguments can take place with aim to increasing
the awareness of the average youth in democracy and politics and this will
also influence the general public and development of internship placements in
political parties and legislature, this would also lead to a smooth transitioning
of leadership from the old to the youths because they would have groomed
them in the ways of the Nigerian political system. The study thus concludes
that the Nigerian youth are willing and desirous of playing active roles in
political engagement and democracy in Nigeria.
