Digital Communication for Civic Engagement Opportunity in Urban Tanzania
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26437/ajar.31.10.2022.26Abstract
Purpose: This study examined the use of digital smartphone interaction for civic and public communication in the public sphere. It focuses on how policymakers perceive digital public communication among youths who constitute the majority of smartphone users in Tanzania.
Design/ Methodology/ Approach: It is designed as a case study involving a qualitative data collection method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with policy experts in Dar es Salaam city in Tanzania.
Findings: Outcomes show that policy experts mainly focus on digital economic capacity building and less on the opportunities for developing civic and public communication as an important component of societal development.
Research Limitation: The study is designed as a case study thus limiting the generalisation of findings.
Practical implications: The study suggests policy guidelines for facilitating youths’ participation in the public sphere as a strategy to guide the utilisation of smartphones to promote engagement in civic and public life specifically for youths as a trajectory towards societal development.
Social implications: The study creates awareness among youths to use smartphone interaction to participate in civic and public communication as an emerging crucial aspect of societal development in the digital era.
Originality/ Value: The study will contribute to improving citizens’ knowledge of civic and public engagement via new media for achieving development.
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