Mr. Olorunyomi, a graduate of the faculty, stated that artificial intelligence and social media have emerged as new forces reshaping democra...
Mr. Olorunyomi, a graduate of the faculty, stated that artificial intelligence and social media have emerged as new forces reshaping democratic power in Nigeria by altering the circumstances in which knowledge is perceived and political activities are conducted.
The editor of PREMIUM TIMES, Dapo Olorunyomi, has urged a unified approach to tackle the 'knowledge crisis' brought about by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media algorithms, which poses a risk to Nigeria's delicate democratic environment.
Mr. Olorunyomi stated that social media algorithms, which influence what many citizens encounter well before they decide to view it, are actively reshaping how democratic power is structured in Nigeria.
"The pressing challenge facing Nigeria is to make sure that this change leads to freedom, fairness, and a more reflective civic environment," he stated.
Mr. Olorunyomi, also serving as the Chief Executive Officer of theCenter for Journalism Innovation and Development(CJID) mentioned this on Tuesday during a speech titled "AI, Social Media and the Reconfiguration of Democratic Power in Nigeria" at the Faculty of Arts Alumni Lecture, held at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
In his opening comments, Gbenga Fasiku, the Dean of the Faculty and a professor, stated that the Alumni Lecture Series was created to enhance connections between the faculty and its successful alumni who have made significant contributions to national progress.
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Mr. Olorunyomi, a graduate of the faculty, stated that artificial intelligence and social media have emerged as new forces reshaping democratic power in Nigeria by altering the circumstances in which knowledge is perceived and political activities are structured.
He mentioned that the change affected various areas of the country's democratic systems.
"Electoral commissions are now responsible for handling both the traditional voting process and the digital information landscape. Courts are faced with new issues regarding online communication and evidence. Political parties have established war rooms that track online opinions in real time," he stated.
He cautioned against allowing engineers, companies, and politicians to make choices about managing the space by themselves.
"It should include journalists, academics, educators, advocates, decision-makers, and individuals dedicated to protecting knowledge as a means of enhancing human well-being," he stated.
If we manage to restore AI and social media as tools of empowerment and means of influence, they could still bolster Nigerian democracy by increasing involvement, enhancing transparency, and fostering innovative modes of unity.
"If we don't succeed, these very technologies will deepen disparities, weaken collective thought, and consolidate authority within hidden governmental and corporate structures," he further stated.
He stated that power exists through the capacity to design communication systems and to affect the cultural symbols that people use to understand the world.
He stated that this is evident in the way election campaigns are conducted not only via rallies and conventional media but also through personalized messaging on social media sites such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X.
"For example, protest movements can achieve significant momentum through digital networks, yet they also face challenges such as fragmentation and the spread of misinformation via the same platforms," he added.
Nevertheless, he voiced concern that scholarly and policy analysis continue to view media as secondary to 'real politics'.
He stated, 'We have been slower to understand that in a networked society, politics is increasingly carried out through the coding and debate of digital publishing networks.'
The opposite aspect of Social Media
Mr. Olorunyomi mentioned that artificial intelligence and social media have enabled Nigerian journalists and newsrooms to utilize Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools such as satellite images and data analysis to question official stories, combat false information, and ensure accountability from those in power.
"However, the same technological framework has altered media operations in ways that jeopardize its public service role," he stated.
Advertising models focused on attention prioritize quickness and controversy; algorithmic selection influences what many people view well before they decide to look at it.
He mentioned that social media platforms powered by artificial intelligence promote quick sharing, brief focus periods, and constant interaction.
This benefit of viral trends, he observed, can overshadow thoughtful analysis,
"as thinking speeds up, the ability to engage in deep reflection and make careful decisions decreases," he stated.
In a democracy such as Nigeria, which is already facing economic difficulties, weak institutions, and significant societal divisions, this rapid development carries serious consequences. It may make politics more unstable, increase ethnic and religious polarization, and encourage political figures to govern through show rather than through effective policies.
When Social Media Transforms into 'The Media'
Mr. Olorunyomi pointed out that current media consists of social media platforms which act as the main channels through which people come across public matters and develop their views.
"The largest and most impactful newsroom in Nigeria today, unfortunately, is not found in Nigerian newspapers or radio stations. It's Facebook. Every day, 27 million Nigerians interact on Facebook with between seven to nine million people," he said.
He claimed that the continuation of democracy depends on the standard of knowledge processes that support civic life.
He also voiced concern that the standard of knowledge seems to be gradually diminished by social media algorithms that prioritize shocking content over detailed analysis.
"By organizing visibility, directing focus, and facilitating understanding, AI-powered platforms affect who is able to engage in public life, which types of arguments become popular, and how people develop their opinions," he stated.
As a result, he urged the media to utilize modern tools to promote public responsibility and well-informed participation, and to avoid turning into entities that weaken critical thinking and democratic duties.
He cautioned against the media letting the drive for interaction undermine journalistic integrity.
Mr. Olorunyomi also urged media organizations to view themselves as guardians of significance and as overseers of the circumstances that allow public opinion to form.
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