Social Media and Radicalization: Case of Nairobi City County, Kenya
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Date
2023
Authors
Gakumo, Michael Kangara
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Social media has emerged as a powerful tool for communication and information
dissemination, but it also has the potential to be used for negative purposes. This paper
sought to investigate the effects social media on radicalization in Kenya: Case of Nairobi
City County. Specifically, the study sought to examine how online peer pressure,
technological advancement and internet access affect radicalization in Kenya. Uses and
Gratification Theory and Technological Determinism Theory served as the study's
guiding principles. The research used a descriptive survey methodology. The population
of the study comprised (1,183) community leaders, IT experts, government security
team, Communication Authority of Kenya (CA), religious leaders and youth leaders in
Nairobi City County. Using a simple random sampling procedure, a sample of 118
respondents was selected. A questionnaire was used to collect primary information. In
assessing quantitative data, mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentages were
used, whereas content analysis was pertinent in examining qualitative data. Data was
presented using frequency tables and charts. The study found out that online peer
pressure (p<0.05), internet access (p<0.05) and technological advancement (p<0.05) have
positive and significant effect on radicalization. The popularity of social media has made
it easy for individuals to maintain communication. In return it has boosted online peer
pressure, which has a favorable and significant impact on radicalization. Indeed, social
media sites have evolved into contemporary tools that aid in disseminating even the most
ancient of messages in a contemporary and approachable way. The advancement in
technology has not only reduced the cost of accessing social media but also increased the
speed with which individuals influence one another. The study concludes that as more
and more youths get access to social media, they are able to form social groupings that
terror groups and religious leaders can leverage to convey radical and messages thus
radicalization. An increase in internet access would result into an increase in access to
social media among youths that can easily be radicalized through by terror groups and
religious leaders through such social media platforms. Further, technological
advancement increases the available social media platforms that youths can access hence
more and more youths can easily be radicalized. Therefore the study recommends that
through foster partnerships between government agencies, civil society organizations,
and local communities, more awareness should be created among the youths on the
influence of social media in radicalization. The Communication Authority (CA) in Kenya
should control the access and use of internet among the users and particularly youths. By
limiting, monitoring or controlling accessibility to internet, the rate of radicalization will
drop. It is important for awareness programs among social media users on technological
advancement and how it influences radicalization.
Description
A Project Submittted to the School of Law, Arts and Social
Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the
Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Security
Strategic Studies of Kenyatta University
Keywords
Social Media, Radicalization, Nairobi City County, Kenya