International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Nigeria is characterised by complex ethnic diversity and a history of inter-ethnic tensions, often shaped by colonial legacies and post-independence politics. In recent years, social media has emerged as a powerful tool through which Nigerian youths express, negotiate and contest their ethnic identities in the dynamic digital spaces.
Objective: The study aimed to explore how social media platforms such as Twitter (now X), Instagram and TikTok influence the construction and performance of ethnic identity among Nigerian youth, and to assess the implications of these interactions on social cohesion.
Method: Adopting a qualitative, library-based methodology, the study reviewed existing scholarly literature, journal articles, case reports and theoretical perspectives. The analysis was grounded in Social Identity Theory (Tajfel & Turner) and Goffman’s Framing Theory, providing insight into group-based identity formation and the role of media narratives. Results: The findings revealed a dual function of social media in ethnic identity formation. On one hand, it fosters cultural pride, promotes indigenous language use and reinforces ethnic solidarity through hashtags, memes and storytelling. On the other, it exacerbates ethnic polarisation, spreads hate speech and fuels identity-based political conflict, particularly during national crises.
Conclusion: The study concluded that social media operates as a double-edged sword in the construction of ethnic identity; simultaneously enabling cultural empowerment and deepening societal divisions. The platform’s influence was mediated by broader socio-political conditions and user agency.
Unique Contribution: By synthesising identity theories with literature on digital media and Nigerian youth, the study highlights the interplay between online interactions and offline ethnic consciousness. It introduced the role of algorithms and content curation as under-explored factors in digital identity performance.
Key Recommendation: The study recommended strengthening digital literacy among youth, fostering inter-ethnic dialogue and implementing policy frameworks to curb online hate speech, in order to harness the unifying potential of social media while mitigating its divisive effects.