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Social Media and Protest Escalation/De-Escalation: An Assessment of End SARS Protest in Nigeria
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
DOI: 10.64388/IREV10I3-1722891
Abstract
This study explores the pivotal role of social media in shaping the dynamics of the End SARS movement in Nigeria, with a focus on its impact on protest escalation and de-escalation. The objective of the study was to assess the role of social media in the escalation and de-escalation of the End SARS protests and analysed the role of social media in influencing the escalation of protests during the End SARS movement in Nigeria. Public Sphere Theory and Technological Determinism Theory were employed as the theoretical underpinning of the study. The study revealed that the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria showcased the dual role of social media in both escalating and de-escalating protests. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook were pivotal in mobilizing participants, amplifying messages, and coordinating activities, transforming the movement into a national and international call for justice against police brutality. By enabling real-time updates, emotional appeals, and global solidarity, social media significantly escalated the protests' momentum. At the same time, these platforms played a crucial role in de-escalation by facilitating negotiations, promoting conflict resolution, and shaping narratives for systemic reform. Hashtags like #ReformPoliceNG helped articulate demands, while community-driven initiatives provided relief and fostered reconciliation. Moreover, the platforms archived events and framed peaceful advocacy as a legacy, encouraging institutional engagement and voter participation. The #EndSARS movement demonstrates how social media can be leveraged as a powerful tool for both activism and sustainable conflict resolution in polarized societies. The study therefore recommended among others; Stakeholders should strategically utilize social media for conflict resolution by establishing official platforms to promote transparent dialogue, counter misinformation, and involve neutral mediators in peacebuilding efforts.
Keywords
Social media, End SARS movement, protest dynamics, escalation, de-escalation, activism, digital mobilization.
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How to cite this paper
@article{1722891,
author = {Tari Sunday Dome, John Moses Maikomo PhD},
title = {Social Media and Protest Escalation/De-Escalation: An Assessment of End SARS Protest in Nigeria},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {909-922},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1722891.pdf},
abstract = {This study explores the pivotal role of social media in shaping the dynamics of the End SARS movement in Nigeria, with a focus on its impact on protest escalation and de-escalation. The objective of the study was to assess the role of social media in the escalation and de-escalation of the End SARS protests and analysed the role of social media in influencing the escalation of protests during the End SARS movement in Nigeria. Public Sphere Theory and Technological Determinism Theory were employed as the theoretical underpinning of the study. The study revealed that the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria showcased the dual role of social media in both escalating and de-escalating protests. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook were pivotal in mobilizing participants, amplifying messages, and coordinating activities, transforming the movement into a national and international call for justice against police brutality. By enabling real-time updates, emotional appeals, and global solidarity, social media significantly escalated the protests' momentum. At the same time, these platforms played a crucial role in de-escalation by facilitating negotiations, promoting conflict resolution, and shaping narratives for systemic reform. Hashtags like #ReformPoliceNG helped articulate demands, while community-driven initiatives provided relief and fostered reconciliation. Moreover, the platforms archived events and framed peaceful advocacy as a legacy, encouraging institutional engagement and voter participation. The #EndSARS movement demonstrates how social media can be leveraged as a powerful tool for both activism and sustainable conflict resolution in polarized societies. The study therefore recommended among others; Stakeholders should strategically utilize social media for conflict resolution by establishing official platforms to promote transparent dialogue, counter misinformation, and involve neutral mediators in peacebuilding efforts.},
keywords = {Social media, End SARS movement, protest dynamics, escalation, de-escalation, activism, digital mobilization.},
month = {September},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I3-1722891}
}