How social media changed the Anambra narrative

That the social media has greatly influenced the ways things are done all over the world is no longer debatable. Such influence, either good or bad, is more evident in the nation’s political milieu, particularly during electioneering periods.

Apart from professional journalists, citizens now take advantage of social media platforms to express divergent views and opinions, most times, without putting into cognizance the consequences of such views.

Analysts have argued that though the social media has a lot of benefits for humanity, users must be scrupulous to ensure that its harm does not outweigh the merits.

Underscoring the positive impacts of the social media on the electoral process, Andrew Emenike, a blogger and journalist, is of the view that the new media has made the job easier for all stakeholders in the electoral system.

According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can now send electoral messages to the citizens through the social media, while politicians also take advantage of the platforms to canvass for votes.

A civil society activist, Comrade Elvis Ikea, described the social media as a double edged sword which must be handled with absolute care in the interest of peace and tranquility in the society. A public servant, Uloma Okeke, noted that ordinarily, the social media should help in checking electoral fraud in the desperation of members of the political class.

She identified the negative impacts of the social media on the electoral system to include, campaign of calumny, name calling, as desperate political opponents use it to malign the reputation of one another.

As the people of Anambra State file out next week, Saturday, to elect a new helmsman for the state, all relevant stakeholders should endeavour to relate with the new media responsibly to ensure that its negative influence does not undermine the electoral process.