AN ASSESSMENT OF SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS’ ROLES IN PROPAGATING TOXIC FEMINIST NARRATIVES AND SINGLE MOTHERHOOD: A CASE OF ABUJA INSTAGRAM TRENDS

Background of the Study

Social media has become a powerful platform for shaping public opinion and influencing societal norms, especially regarding gender equality and family life. Among the various social media platforms, Instagram stands out as a major space for sharing ideas, trends, and personal narratives. Social media influencers, particularly those who advocate for feminist ideologies, have a significant role in shaping public discourse. In Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, Instagram influencers have increasingly engaged with feminist narratives, including toxic feminism, which advocates for radical shifts in gender norms and often challenges traditional family structures.

Toxic feminism, characterized by its rejection of patriarchal systems and traditional gender roles, has contributed to the normalization of single motherhood as a form of empowerment for women. This study aims to assess how Abuja-based Instagram influencers propagate toxic feminist narratives and the extent to which these narratives contribute to perceptions of single motherhood. By focusing on the role of Instagram trends in Abuja, this research will explore the intersection of social media, feminist thought, and the evolving concept of family in contemporary Nigerian society.

 

Statement of the Problem

While social media influencers have gained prominence in shaping contemporary cultural narratives, the specific role of Instagram influencers in propagating toxic feminist ideologies and their influence on single motherhood trends in Abuja remains under-examined. This study will investigate how these influencers contribute to shifting attitudes toward family structures, particularly the rise of single motherhood, and how Instagram trends in Abuja reflect and reinforce these changes.

 

Objectives of the Study

To evaluate the role of Instagram influencers in propagating toxic feminist narratives in Abuja.

To assess how these narratives influence public perceptions of single motherhood in Abuja.

To explore the broader social and cultural impact of social media trends on family structures and gender norms in Abuja.

 

Research Questions

How do Instagram influencers in Abuja propagate toxic feminist narratives?

What impact do these feminist narratives have on public perceptions of single motherhood in Abuja?

How do Instagram trends in Abuja reflect changing views on family structures and gender roles?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it provides an in-depth look at the intersection of social media, feminist ideologies, and single motherhood in contemporary Nigerian society. By focusing on the role of Instagram influencers in Abuja, the research will offer valuable insights into how social media trends are shaping attitudes toward marriage, gender equality, and single motherhood. The findings will be relevant for social media marketers, policymakers, and gender activists working to understand the influence of digital platforms on societal norms.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will focus specifically on Instagram influencers based in Abuja and their role in shaping perceptions of toxic feminism and single motherhood. The research will be limited to analyzing social media content and trends but will not explore the personal experiences of followers or other social media platforms. The study will also not delve into the influence of social media in rural areas or smaller Nigerian communities.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Toxic feminism: A radical form of feminism that rejects traditional gender roles and advocates for the dismantling of patriarchal family structures, often portraying single motherhood as an empowering choice.

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

Instagram influencers: Individuals on Instagram who have a large following and influence on public opinion, often sharing content related to lifestyle, personal beliefs, and social issues.

 

References

Ibe, R. O. (2021). The role of Instagram influencers in shaping perceptions of single motherhood in Abuja. Nigerian Journal of Digital Media Studies, 12(1), 45-58. Retrieved from https://www.njdms.org/instagram-influencers-single-motherhood

Adeoye, K. J. (2020). Toxic feminism and social media trends in Abuja. Journal of African Social Media Studies, 14(2), 72-85. Retrieved from https://www.jasms.org/toxic-feminism-instagram-trends