Nonviolent Movement in the Covid-19 Era: Exploring the Role of Social Media among Youths in Nigeria

Oyewumi Ogunmakin

Abstract

Nonviolent Movement (NM), otherwise known as people-power movement, always triggers massive protests or marches and demonstrations which are considered as „symbolic methods‟ for social change. While the virus took the world by surprise, it did not deter youths in Nigeria to voice their displeasure against Police brutality and other social injustices in the country. This study collected data from secondary sources to explore the role played in the movement by social media. And findings indicate that the paradigm shift from physical protest to online protest and mobilization was not only frustrating to government but also forced it to violate the civil liberties of citizens, leading to what many described as “digital authoritarianism”. The study also shows that, emergent technologies and social media do not deter nonviolent activists. Instead, the use of social media created diversity among participants and the opportunity to engage youths who would not usually support „in-person nonviolent participation‟ during the demonstration.

Keywords

Covid-19, Nonviolence, Nonviolence Movement, Social-Media and Democracy

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