A Qualitative Exploration of Social Media Usage and its Influence on Social Capital among Youths Residing in Urban Areas of Nigeria

Abstract

Background: In Nigeria, social media adoption has grown rapidly, particularly among urban youths, who use these platforms as a primary mode of communication. As Nigeria continues to experience rapid urbanization and population growth, particularly among its youth, understanding how social media shapes social capital is crucial for addressing both social and economic development challenges. This study aims to explore social media usage and its influence on social capital development and sustainability using qualitative methods.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative design using in-depth interviews (IDI) and focus group discussions (FGD). The population consisted of youths aged 18-35 years residing in urban areas such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano. Eight youths were selected for IDIs and seven for one FGD using convenience sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and discussions, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.
Results: Five key themes emerged: (1) Usage Patterns and Motivations, highlighting platform-specific roles (e.g., Instagram for visual connection, TikTok for entertainment); (2) Network Building and Trust, emphasizing social media's role in forming and maintaining relationships with varying trust levels; (3) Civic Participation through Social Media, showing platforms' facilitation of information access and mobilization; (4) Comparative Impact of Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, revealing differential influences on interactions (e.g., Instagram for intimacy, Facebook for community trust); and (5) Overall Perception of Social Media’s Role, indicating positive impacts on social life with caveats about misinformation and overload.
Discussion: The findings extend social capital theory by illustrating how platform affordances in the Global South context differentially support bonding (Instagram/TikTok) and bridging (Facebook) capital among urban Nigerian youth. Novel contributions include mechanisms like Instagram's visuality fostering intimacy and Facebook's groups enabling civic mobilization. Implications include recommendations for policymakers and educators.
Conclusion: Urban Nigerian youth leverage social media for bonding and bridging social capital, with platforms reshaping interactions in digitalized contexts.