Students’ perceptions of e-participation in social media, citizen mobilisation and engagement: Evidence from Papua New Guinea, India, and Zimbabwe

Abstract

This comparative case study analysed university students' perspectives of social media as a citizen mobilisation and engagement tool for national dialogue in Papua New Guinea, India, and Zimbabwe. The 300-sample size was chosen from a population of 558 students using computer software called pseudo-random number generator. A mixed-methods online survey was used to collect the data, and representatives of the students were interviewed virtually. The study’s findings revealed that geographical differences, societal values, and contextual factors impacted the mobilisation and engagement processes in the three nations, leading to varied degrees of participation. Comparing social media to more conventional forms of communication, the respondents preferred social media, particularly WhatsApp. Concerns regarding government surveillance and data security were raised by the respondents. Students' typical perceptions about using social media for citizen engagement in national social and political processes tended to focus on building consensus among a large cross-section of the populace.