EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

Abstract

ABSTRACT With every advance in technology comes an impact on everyday life. This holds true especially for advances in media technology. While the media is a persuasive aspect of life on a day to day basis, a time when it really becomes important is in regards to government and political information. The internet has become an increasingly important tool for Kenyan citizens to not only gain political knowledge but to engage in the political process itself. Some scholars suggest that this may revitalize democratic society, enabling citizens to command the political and economic resources needed to become effectively self-governing (Winner 2003). While it is not the goal of this research to determine if the internet will eventually lead to direct democracy form of government, it is an interesting idea to suggest. Rather the focus will be placed on whether or not the internet, through social networking sites such as Facebooks and twitter are facilitating an increased engagement of citizens in the political process.