Beyond #FeesMustFall: Understanding the inclusion role of social media during students’ protests in South Africa

Abstract

Studies have shown how social media, including Facebook and Twitter, are reshaping communication, news, and information. It is therefore important to explore the role social media plays in student protests and campaigns in order to determine to what extent social media allows participation and audience inclusion during #FeesMustFall and other contemporary discussions among students. This study also looks at how audience inclusion in Facebook and Twitter is increasingly shaping the “News” habits of young South African students. The study used a qualitative, exploratory, and interpretive approach. Thirteen students were interviewed (audio-recorded) one-on-one using a semi-structured interview guide. The findings indicate that students find recourse in social media as an avenue for inclusion and participation on social issues surrounding the youths during and beyond the #FeesMustFall campaign.