Social Media as a Tool for Political Resistance: Lessons from the Arab Spring and the Nigerian Protests

Hoque

E J Info Sys Dev Countries

2022

Mobile phones have emerged as ubiquitous devices beyond simple means of communication. Students studying at tertiary‐level educational institutions are one of the major target groups for mobile companies. Notwithstanding, the educators and the marketers of mobile phones and services do not know much about their needs and mobile phone usage behavior. This study aims to determine the mobile phone needs and usage behavior of university students in Oman. The study delves upon longitudinal data collected over three different points of time in a decade and analyzes the changes in students' needs and mobile usage behavior. The findings suggest that students' preferences over time for mobile phones have changed not only for brands but also the way they patronize mobile phones and associated services. The study gives a vital lead to educators and the marketers of mobile phones and services. By understanding the mobile phone needs and usage behavior of students, educators can target their content and deliveries and marketers can target their features, apps, and services innovatively to this emerging segment.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mobile phone usage behavior: A longitudinal study of university students in Oman

Hoque

E J Info Sys Dev Countries

2022

Acad. J. Interdiscip. Stud.

“…Digital media are rooted in computer and computer-related technologies such as electronics, satellite technologies, digitalized media equipment, and mobile phones. (Nweke, 2001;Ufuophu-Biri and Ojoboh, 2017b). Similarly, Gandi (1989) says the concept of digital media is a product of the emergence of computer and telecommunication technology.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Television and Digital Resources of Communication and Entertainment as Correlates of Perceived Decline in Folktale Practice in Delta State, Nigeria

Ufuophu-Biri

Ijeh

2021

Self Cite

The study examined the current status of folktale practice in connection with the patronage of television and other forms of digital resources for communication and entertainment in Delta State, Nigeria. Recent studies suggest that folktale's practice is declining because of television and other digital communication media. Therefore, this study investigated the current state of folktale practice in Delta State and its relation with watching television and using digital communication and entertainment resources. We adopted the Uses and Gratification theory as the theoretical guide and used survey and questionnaire as the method and instrument. We analyzed the data with descriptive and inferential statistics and tested at a 0.05 level of significance. We found that the respondents do not partake in folktale practice, unlike most of them that watch television always and use other digital resources of communication and entertainment frequently. They prefer watching television and using other digital resources of communication and entertainment to the folktale. We also establish a significant correlation between watching television and digital communication resources and the decline in Delta State's folktale practice. Received: 3 January 2021 / Accepted: 22 March 2021/ Published: 10 May 2021

“…Social media has been used to advocate for certain policies or to seek expanded access to the conditions necessary for democratic citizenship in places where these opportunities are not yet available. The global significance of these developments for revitalizing mature democracies and nurturing the emergence of new democracies should not be underestimated (Shirky, 2011;Ufuophy-Biri & Ojoboh, 2017). Tucker, Theocharis, and Barbará argue that Social media have the potential to aid democratic movements by spreading information, reinvigorating participation, and facilitating collective action.…”

Section: Technology As a Tool For Positive Global Citizenship Engagementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Wielding Social Media in the Cyber-Arena: Globalism, Nationalism, and Civic Education

White¹

2020

RESSAT

Information technology is a tool, and its effects on global citizenship education (GCED) depend on who uses the technology, how it is employed, and for what purpose. In theory, technology use could provide significant benefits toward achievement of GCED goals. Globalization has demanded an educational response — to prepare the young for productive engagement with the emerging global community. Technology could play a positive role in effective GCED. But globalization has come at a cost; it has produced winners and losers. Among the losers are those economically displaced as manufacturing jobs move elsewhere; they are resentful of foreigner and fearful of an uncertain future. For them, global citizenship is anathema. They are susceptible to manipulation by malign forces eager to exploit any perceived rifts in the post-war world order. For them, technology is a weapon, as easily aimed at the aspirations of GCED as another apparent enemy. Identifying how technology can be employed positively in GCED is important, but not enough. Young people must also understand the conflict between globalization and alt-right nationalist populism, much of it carried out in the cyber-arena of the Internet and social media. New technologies have armed adversaries with tools to manipulate opinion and foment disorder. how technology is employed to undermine global citizenship education, as well as the democracies of the West. This they can witness in the gladiatorial combat between globalization and nationalist populism —between democracy and authoritarianism — in the cyber-arena. This article explores how technology is a double-edged sword – a tool for good and a tool for mischief. It draws from current research and news reporting on methods and effects of online manipulation. The article concludes by describing international efforts to defend against social media assaults on democracy and by identifying the new knowledge and skills citizens must acquire for positive civic engagement in the global cyber-arena.