Audience Perception on the Role of Social Media as a Tool for Social Development (a Study of Federal Polytechnic Offa Kwara State)

This study examines the perception of the role of social media as a tool for social development, with a focus on Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State. The main objective was to investigate how social media platforms contribute to community awareness, civic participation, education, and overall social progress within the institution. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, employing a questionnaire as the principal data collection tool. A total of 380 respondents, selected through a simple random sampling method, provided their perspectives on the subject. The data were subsequently analyzed using frequency distributions and percentages. The findings revealed that social media plays a significant role in fostering social development by enhancing communication, spreading information, strengthening civic engagement, and promoting education and interpersonal relationships. However, the study also identified several challenges, including misinformation, cyberbullying, limited digital literacy, and poor internet connectivity, which undermine its potential. Based on these findings, the study recommends policy interventions and capacity-building initiatives to maximize the positive effects of social media while mitigating its drawbacks. This includes training programs for users, strengthening regulations, and improving digital infrastructure. Overall, the study concludes that social media is a powerful tool for social transformation when used responsibly and effectively.