Abstract
This paper investigates the social media influences on political socialisation and participation among Generation Z in Nigeria. A mixed-method research design comprising surveys and focus group discussions was adopted using three universities for the study population. A sample size of 422 respondents was surveyed among 409 Generation Z undergraduates, using Agenda Melding Theory, Uses and Gratifications Theory and Networked Publics Theory. Descriptive results revealed strong positive impacts on political participation. Exposure to diverse viewpoints recorded a mean score of 3.62 with a standard deviation of 0.96. The shaping of perceptions about political leaders had a mean of 3.60 and a standard deviation of 0.98, while enabling critical evaluation of government activities also recorded a mean of 3.60 with a standard deviation of 0.97. Focus group discussions further revealed that interactive features such as polls, real-time updates, influencer engagement and campaign-related activities significantly motivate political participation. Inferential analysis indicated no statistically significant negative relationship between social media usage and political socialisation, as the correlation coefficient was negative 0.053 with a probability value of 0.284. No significant gender differences were observed in social media usage or political socialisation. The study concludes that social media functions as a democratising platform that enhances informed and interactive civic engagement among Generation Z university students in Nigeria.
Keywords: Generation Z, Political Participation, Political Socialisation, Social Media, University Students.