THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVISM ON TOXIC FEMINIST DEBATES AND SINGLE MOTHERHOOD TRENDS: A STUDY OF TWITTER DISCOURSE AMONG NIGERIAN WOMEN

Background of the Study

Social media activism has become an increasingly powerful tool for women’s rights movements around the world, including in Nigeria, where discussions about gender equality, feminism, and family structures have gained significant traction. Platforms like Twitter provide an open forum for women to express their views, share experiences, and debate societal issues, including the implications of toxic feminism on relationships and family life. Social media discourse, particularly in Nigerian contexts, has highlighted the rise of toxic feminism, often linked to the rejection of traditional gender roles and an embrace of individualism, which may influence social attitudes towards marriage and motherhood.

This study aims to explore how social media activism, particularly Twitter discourse among Nigerian women, has influenced debates about toxic feminism and its connection to the rise of single motherhood. It will examine the extent to which these online conversations contribute to shifting perceptions about marriage, infidelity, and the role of women as mothers in Nigerian society.

 

Statement of the Problem

Although social media activism has played a critical role in advancing gender equality discussions, it has also fueled debates around radical feminist ideologies, including toxic feminism. The influence of these discussions on women’s perceptions of traditional family roles and the increasing trend of single motherhood in Nigeria remains underexplored. This study will investigate how Twitter discourse among Nigerian women shapes and amplifies the connection between toxic feminist ideologies and the rise of single motherhood.

 

Objectives of the Study

To explore the role of Twitter activism in shaping debates around toxic feminism among Nigerian women.

To assess the impact of social media discussions on perceptions of single motherhood in Nigeria.

To examine the link between social media activism, toxic feminist ideologies, and the rise of single motherhood in Nigerian society.

 

Research Questions

How does Twitter activism contribute to the promotion of toxic feminist ideologies among Nigerian women?

What influence does Twitter discourse have on perceptions of single motherhood in Nigeria?

How do Nigerian women on Twitter engage with discussions about the relationship between toxic feminism and single motherhood?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it will provide a detailed examination of the role of social media activism in shaping public discourse on toxic feminism and single motherhood. Understanding how Twitter influences women’s attitudes toward traditional gender roles and family life will help activists, policymakers, and social media influencers better navigate the impact of online feminism on societal norms in Nigeria. The study will also contribute to the broader academic literature on the intersection of social media, feminism, and family structures.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will focus on Twitter discourse among Nigerian women, specifically those engaging with feminist and women’s rights discussions. The research will be limited to analyzing public tweets, hashtags, and discourse related to toxic feminism and single motherhood. It will not explore other social media platforms or examine men’s perspectives on these issues.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Social media activism: The use of social media platforms to promote, engage in, and support social, political, or gender-related movements, often advocating for change or challenging societal norms.

Toxic feminism: A form of feminism that promotes extreme, often divisive views on gender relations, rejecting traditional roles and advocating for radical shifts in societal structures.

Single motherhood: A situation in which a woman raises her child without the involvement or support of a partner.

 

References

Adeyemi, F. (2020). Social media activism and the rise of toxic feminism in Nigeria. Journal of African Feminist Studies, 16(3), 34-46. Retrieved from https://www.jafs.org/social-media-activism-feminism

Olabisi, R. A. (2021). Twitter discourse and its role in shaping views on feminism and single motherhood in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Social Media Studies, 12(2), 98-111. Retrieved from https://www.njss.org/twitter-discourse-feminism