THE ROLE OF DIGITAL MEDIA IN SOCIO-POLITICAL ENGAGEMENTS IN AFRICA Tunde Ope-Davies1,, Akwasi Bosompem Boateng2, Leah Junck3, Ayodele James Akinola4, Demba Kandeh5, & Modupe Roseline Agunbiade6 CONCLUSION • Social media have now become significant tools for change in African society. • There is the need for more research regarding the role of INTRODUCTION METHODS digital technologies for social and political transformations . • Digital technologies, especially social This study employs a mixed method media, are initiating and sustaining (qualitative and quantitative) profound and significant transformations in approach underpinned by the private and public engagements in African pragmatism paradigm. society. DATA SOURCES • The digital revolution is impacting the North Africa: Egypt, Tunisia dynamics of our daily lives with private East Africa: Kenya, Ethiopia citizens and public officials utilising the Central Africa: CAR, DRC AUTHORS’ AFFILIATION digital tools for personal and social goals. West Africa: Nigeria, The Gambia 1. University of Lagos, Nigeria 2. University of KwaZulu-Natal, MAIN OBJECTIVE South Africa: Zimbabwe, South Africa South Africa To assess the use of digital media EXPECTED RESULTS 3. University of Cape Town, technologies for some social and political • It is anticipated that the project will South Africa 4. Chrisland University, interactions in Africa. throw more light on the ways in Abeokuta, Nigeria THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK which digital technologies 5. University of the Gambia • Draws from extant studies in Computer- transform socio-political 6. Federal University of Mediated Communication to explore the networking, engagements and Technology, Akure, Nigeria meanings in online social and political relationships on the African discourse data. continent. • Public Spheres theory examines the existence (or lack) of online public networks in African social and political discourse. Take a picture to check longer description Emails: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected].