ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ALGORITHMS AND POLITICAL PROPAGANDA ON STUDENTS' CIVIC KNOWLEDGE AND VOTER AWARENESS IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN IMO STATE

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of social media platforms has reshaped information consumption and political engagement among Nigerian youth, particularly in tertiary institutions. In Imo State, colleges of education train future teachers whose civic competence shapes subsequent generations. This study assessed the impact of social media algorithms and political propaganda on students’ civic knowledge and voter awareness across selected colleges of education. Employing a mixed-methods design, the research surveyed 800 students, conducted 40 in-depth interviews, and performed content analysis of 500 social media posts during the post-2023 election period. Findings revealed high exposure to algorithm-driven content, with platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) amplifying propaganda techniques, including emotional appeals, misinformation, and echo chambers. Quantitative analysis showed a moderate negative correlation between high exposure to biased content and civic knowledge scores (r = -.42, p < .01), while qualitative themes highlighted distorted voter awareness and reduced critical evaluation skills. Urban students reported greater access but higher susceptibility to polarization compared to rural counterparts. The study developed guidelines for integrating digital literacy into civic education curricula and produced a policy brief for institutional reforms. These outcomes underscored the dual-edged nature of social media in fostering or undermining informed citizenship, recommending targeted interventions to mitigate propaganda effects while harnessing platforms for democratic engagement.