Influence of Social Media on Youths’ Awareness of Government Policies and Activities (a Study of Students of Lens Polytechnic Offa)

This study investigates the influence of social media on youths’ awareness of government policies and activities, using students of Lens Polytechnic, Offa as a study. The research was driven by the growing use of social media among young people and the increasing importance of digital platforms in governance communication. A quantitative research method was employed, and data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 382 students. Findings revealed that students actively use platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to access government-related information. While many respondents affirmed that social media enhances their awareness of government activities, concerns were raised about the accuracy of information, limited responsiveness from official government pages, and barriers such as poor internet access and the use of complex language in official messages. The study concludes that although social media holds great potential as a governance communication tool, its effectiveness is limited by misinformation and lack of youth-centered communication strategies. The study recommends that government agencies improve their social media engagement by using simple language, responding promptly to public concerns, and promoting digital literacy among youths. It also calls for improved internet infrastructure to enhance access and interaction. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, communication professionals, and researchers interested in youth engagement and digital governance in Nigeria.