EVALUATION OF SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The 2019 corruption perception index report attest to the fact that corruption is on the increase in Nigeria. With the level of widespread corruption in Nigeria, it needs to be tackled for the country to remain relevant among countries of the world. This work is structured to examine how social media have helped in the fight against corruption. The internet has helped the growth of social media in Nigeria because with Smartphone’s and handheld devices,  one  can  easily  connect to  the social  media  platform.  Technology  determinism  theory  and  Agenda-setting theory of communication were used for the study. Library research method was adopted for the study and relevant information about corruption and social media from journals, newspapers and books were analyzed. This study concludes among others that social media are effective in the fight against corruption. It exposes corrupt practices and persons and ensures that persons indicted are prosecuted. The study recommends, among others that government should effectively use social media handles and encourage whistle blowing to help fight corruption in Nigeria.