#EndSARS and the Digital Public Sphere: Investigating the Intersection of User-Generated Content and Social Media Disinformation

This study explores the role of User-Generated Content (UGC) in shaping public discourse, digital activism, and disinformation within the context of Nigeria’s #EndSARS protest movement. Drawing on a sentiment analysis of social media data collected via Brand24 and a thematic literature review, the research examines how UGC influences perceptions of governance, institutional accountability, and police misconduct. Findings reveal a predominance of negative sentiment, driven by public dissatisfaction with systemic injustices, alongside neutral and positive expressions reflecting political commentary and civic resilience. Key themes discussed include youth-led activism, digital dissent, and the legacy of the EndSARS protests. While UGC empowered civic engagement and amplified marginalized voices, it also exposed users to misleading content, illustrating the complex dynamics between participatory media and information credibility. The study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the dual potential of UGC in both advancing and undermining democratic discourse in African digital ecosystems. It also proposes a methodological framework for future research combining digital metrics with qualitative thematic analysis.