An Examination of the Extent of Influence of Social Media Propaganda in Shaping Government Policy in South Sudan

Abstract:

The use of social media has advanced greatly over the years and become an integral part of domestic and international political communication. The focus of this research was investigating use of social media to influence government decisions in South Sudan. The study examined the significance of Facebook and Twitter in determining government planning policies. The study used qualitative data of twitter and Facebook accounts commentary on South Sudan based on public responses to major public scandals in the country. The study examined the twitter and Facebook commentary elicited by some well-known scandals and if the government response to the scandal (dependent variable) was in line with social media commentary and opinion (independent variable). The research found out that while social media was useful in generating and shaping public opinion, this commentary was however not powerful enough in shaping government responses that were in line with the public opinion both on domestic and foreign policy.