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Introduction
In a time of global connections, communication helps form ideas about governance, culture, justice, and development. However, there are varied forms of access to information, media literacy, digital infrastructures, and representational equity—mainly for the Global South. Communications systems in developing regions have entrenched systemic inequalities from state censorship, monopolistic markets, partial regulation, and cultural disenfranchisement.
The emergence of digital media, mobile communications, and citizen journalism could greatly disrupt discussions about representation and participation, it may also provide new avenues for misinformation, digital inequalities, and institutional legitimacy. In examples like Nigeria and similar jurisdictions, the connections (or disconnections) between media institutions and social realities require careful consideration around access to rights, justice, and democratic inclusion.
Background Context
The Journal of African Media Studies and newer global studies (e.g., Gross, 2022) confirm propaganda from governments, by weakening civic participation communities through lack of culturally resonant and/or locally owned media platforms (e.g., Craig, 2018), create exclusion/inclusion in civic spaces and, therefore should not be ignored. Furthermore, with poorly developed or established digital literacy and trust on digital platforms, community organizations’ and individuals’ use of digital communication technologies magnifies misinformation possibilities and political tensions. These observations provoke much scholarship on communication justice and access and community communication planning.
Future Research Topics
Communication Inequality, Civic Trust: The impact of media infrastructures on civic trust and engagement with policy in developing or hybrid democracies.
Digital Literacy at the Margins: The role of digital literacy in countering disinformation in rural, low-income populations.
Cultural Representation in the National Media: The consequences of ethnolinguistic exclusion for national solidarity.
State Media and Managing the Agenda: A Comparative Study of Public Service Broadcasting in Hybrid Regimes.
Decolonizing media systems: Strategies for developing inclusive, local media organisations in a post-colonial context.
Digital Literacy at the Margins: The role of digital literacy in countering disinformation in rural, low-income populations.
Cultural Representation in the National Media: The consequences of ethnolinguistic exclusion for national solidarity.
State Media and Managing the Agenda: A Comparative Study of Public Service Broadcasting in Hybrid Regimes.
Decolonizing media systems: Strategies for developing inclusive, local media organisations in a post-colonial context.
Topic 1:
Digital Political Communication in Emerging Democracies
Background
Cities are becoming important vehicles for digital political engagement—using social media and apps to influence public opinion and mobilize voters. At the same time, developing democracies often struggle with infrastructure, literacy, and trust issues.
Research Questions
Potential Implications
Suggested Reading
Dhawraj, R. (2024). A conceptual framework for digital political communication… (Dissertation, Unisa).
Topic 2:
Consumer Trust and Adoption of Mobile M Services
Background
In developing countries, with increasing numbers of mobile devices, advertising and informational services delivered via mobile (mobile services, or M-services) represent a large opportunity but will have an adoption obstacle depending on innovativeness, self-efficacy and trust.
Research Questions
Potential Implications
Suggested Reading
Nandru, P., Chendragiri, M., & Senthilkumar, S. A. (2025). Factors affecting the adoption of mobile payment services during COVID 19: An extended UTAUT2 model. J. of Science and Technology Policy Management, 16(3), 405–431.
Topic 3:
Intercultural Communication and Chronemic Practices in Digital Messaging
Background
Response time in electronic communication—called chronemics—is culturally interpreted and has effects on perceptions of courtesy, respect, and relationship quality.
Research Questions
Potential Implications
Suggested Reading
Argarini, F. (2025). The Role of Communication in Organizations: Understanding Verbal, Non Verbal, and Written Aspects (Review of Management Literature).
Topic 4:
Social Media Influencers and Health Campaign Persuasion
Background
Social media influencers (SMIs) play increasingly critical roles in shaping societal attitudes towards health behaviours. Understanding the psychological inspirations of their messaging can help to improve campaign effectiveness.
Research Questions
Potential Implications
Suggested Reading
Pick, L. (2025). Social Media Influencers’ Source Characteristics in Sponsored Health Campaign Messaging
Conclusion
At the center of social change, political engagement, and cultural preservation is communication, particularly in countries with developing nations like Nigeria. The rapid advancements in digital tools and media, provide both opportunities and challenges, whether elevating the voices of those on the margins of society, or algorithmic amplification; or whether helping to share local narratives within a rich cultural context or spreading disinformation. These set of recommendations aim to spur critical and rigorous academic engagement with the different dimensions of Communications equity, digital literacy, and cultural action. In doing so, these sorts of studies will better equip academic scholars thinking about contributing to the more inclusive equitable and resilient society in the Global South as well as elsewhere.
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