A Multimodal Discourse on Social Media: Whatsapp, Facebook, and Twitter (X) as Sites of Political and Social Interaction in Nigeria

Abstract

The emergence of social media has changed how people in Nigeria engage politically and socially. It has created platforms where citizens negotiate their identities, share their opinions, and organize civic actions. This study looks at communication on WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (Twitter), focusing on how language, images, and symbols interact to convey meaning, shape public opinion, and influence collective actions. Using a qualitative approach, we analyzed forty-five carefully chosen posts from the three platforms through Multimodal Social Semiotics and Critical Discourse Analysis. The findings show that users intentionally combine text, images, videos, and hashtags to create messages that express political criticism, social insights, and civic support. WhatsApp is centered on close, community-focused chats. Facebook prioritizes multimedia content and public engagement, while X supports brief, real-time discussions. These various resources not only deepen meaning but also play key roles in promoting resistance, humor, and mobilization. The study points out how technology and individual actions work together, showing how social media users in Nigeria navigate issues of power, identity, and societal conditions. By placing multimodal communication within broader social and political settings, this research helps us understand how digital platforms influence public conversations, civic involvement, and political awareness in modern Nigeria.