ANALYSIS OF ANTI-RAPE CONVERSATIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: A STUDY OF MULTIPLE STAKEHOLDERS IN THE ANTI-RAPE MOVEMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Social media has a tremendous impact on society through its use for awareness creation; for example, it is used for advocacy against rape. This research sought to analyze antirape conversations on social media by studying the multiple stakeholders of the anti-rape movement in Nigeria. It is important to know if the advocacy and activism of rape on social media have been properly conducted, evaluated and are effective enough to help reduce the crime of rape in Nigeria. Therefore, this study aimed to establish that social media is a very important tool in organizing protest action, raising awareness and mobilizing support. It identified how anti-rape advocacy groups have utilized social media to achieve their goals. The theories used for this study are Development Media, Agenda Setting and Social Responsibility theories. Content analysis, focus group discussion and in-depth interview were conducted. The collected data was analyzed and the results were presented through tables, percentagesand. Narratives. Findings from the study revealed that people are dissatisfied with the outcome of the campaigns, they recognize a digital place for sharing rape experiences, but believe that justice and protection for victims and their loved ones is not guaranteed. The study found that antirape advocacy groups focus more on physical activities and contacts than social media. The research suggested among others, better ways to prevent rape through innovation of mobile technologies, long lasting awareness and campaign strategies.