AKSU Journal of Communication Research (AJCR)

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF POLITICAL COMMUNICATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Author:  EDET ABIA, EMEM U. OKON & NNAMDIE UDO KIERIAN

Abstract
Digital media technology has become the "mouthpiece" of the millennium. It provides the much-needed oxygen for universal democratisation processes and is considered the most suitable for the expression of opinion on public affairs, issues and debates. The aim of this study is to identify the digital technologies used in political communication, find out ways that digital technologies affect citizen participation in the political process, and assess the impact and challenges of digital technologies on political communication. The qualitative research method was applied in order to answer the stated objectives. The researchers relied on materials from Google Scholar for the review.. Findings from the study showed that digital technologies have widely become indispensable for political communication. The study identified tools such as mobile phones and social media (Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Youtube, Instagram, and Telegram) as new digital media tools and platforms used for political communication. The study also revealed that new media tools are used for campaigns, mobilization, and participation. The study concluded that political communication relies heavily on digital media to thrive. Hence, it recommended responsible application of media technology to political communication to enhance democracy in our society.