Introduction

Social media has transformed politics, influencing public opinion, elections, and governance. Politicians now use platforms like X (Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok to engage with citizens.

How Social Media Impacts Politics

• Direct communication – Politicians engage with voters in real time.
• Political activism – Hashtags like #EndSARS and #BlackLivesMatter have sparked global movements.
• Fake news & misinformation – False narratives can manipulate voters.

Examples of Social Media’s Political Influence

• Barack Obama (2008 & 2012) – Used social media to win elections.
• Donald Trump (2016 & 2020) – Twitter played a key role in his campaign.
• Peter Obi (Nigeria, 2023) – The ‘Obidient’ movement gained momentum online.

Challenges and Risks

• Misinformation and propaganda – Fake news spreads quickly.
• Cybersecurity threats – Political hacking and data leaks are common.
• Echo chambers – Social media algorithms reinforce biases.

Conclusion

Social media is a double-edged sword in politics. While it promotes democracy and activism, it also poses risks that need regulation and media literacy education.