INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON GENDER EQUALITY ADVOCACY AMONG COUPLES IN SOUTH-WEST, NIGERIA

Abstract

Gender issues are very sensitive and have over the time been at the center of most of public discourse. Perspective of handling gender issues depends on individual ideology and therefore difficult to have a common ground. Nowadays, the issue of gender has taken new dimension with the advent and application of social media. People are now constantly bombarded with series of gender equality stories in different forms and in different platforms of social media. Yes, the advocacy on gender equality is obvious through social media but the danger that came with it is quite alarming. This study is set to assess level of social media impact on gender equality issues as well find out which gender feel more oppressed in their relationship due to gender equality advocacy. Technology Determinism Theory was used to explain influence of social media on gender advocacy messages. Survey research method was applied through the use of a structured questionnaire and the sample for this study was 400 couples from, nine (9) local government areas in three South-west Nigeria states. Findings revealed that social media platforms play an important role in strengthening gender equality advocacy. These platforms disseminate critical information about gender equality to a large audience, with a special focus on the younger generation. While social media has been effective in promoting gender equality, it has also been related to an increased risk of marriage breakdown. Therefore, the study recommends that, gender advocacy should be made balanced and takes into account the opinions of all genders. As well, members of the public should be adequately sensitized and conscious on the concept of fake news/information.