Social Media and Covid-19 Campaigns: An Analysis of Audience Awareness and Perception of Covid-19 Messages on Twitter

This study examines the role of Twitter in disseminating COVID-19 campaign messages and its impact on audience awareness and perception among Mass Communication students at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Using a quantitative survey design, data was collected from 200 purposively selected students to assess their exposure to and perception of COVID-19 messages on Twitter. Findings reveal that Twitter was effective in raising awareness, with 43% of respondents frequently encountering COVID-19 messages. However, the perception of message clarity and credibility was mixed, with 27% of respondents reporting exposure to misinformation. The study concludes that while Twitter is a valuable tool for health communication, there is a need for simplified messaging, improved influencer partnerships, and stronger misinformation control. Recommendations include integrating digital literacy into educational curricula and leveraging multimedia content to enhance message clarity and engagement.