This study examined Artificial Intelligence-driven media literacy among young adults and its
implications for democratic development in Akwanga Local Government Area, Nasarawa State,
Nigeria. The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into digital communication platforms
has significantly transformed how young adults access, interpret, verify, and disseminate
information. While AI-powered media platforms provide opportunities for enhanced civic
awareness, critical thinking, and political participation, they also expose users to algorithmic bias,
misinformation, and digital manipulation, thereby raising concerns about democratic engagement.
The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 120,000 young
adults aged 18���35 years in Akwanga LGA, while a sample size of 400 respondents was determined
using the Taro Yamane sampling formula and selected through multistage sampling technique.
Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Artificial Intelligence-Driven Media
Literacy and Democratic Development Questionnaire (AIMLDDQ), validated by experts in
Communication and Social Science Education. The instrument yielded a reliability coefficient of
0.84 using Cronbach Alpha. Data were analyzed using mean scores, standard deviation, and
Pearson Product Moment Correlation to answer research questions and test hypotheses at 0.05
level of significance. Findings are expected to reveal that AI-driven media literacy significantly
enhances young adults' critical evaluation of digital content, strengthens resistance to
misinformation, and positively influences civic consciousness and democratic participation in
Akwanga LGA. However, concerns relating to digital inequality, ethical use of AI, and algorithmic
manipulation may limit its democratic benefits. The study recommends targeted digital literacy
education, responsible AI governance, and youth-centered civic media engagement initiatives to
promote sustainable democratic development in Nigeria.
Received: January 2026 Accepted: March 2026 Published: May 2026
Journal: The Nigerian Educator Journal of Education ISSN: 699-3-7
Copyright: © 2026 The Authors. Published under Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence.
The Nigerian Educator, being a multi-disciplinary Journal, is committed to publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed research that advances knowledge in the fields of Education, Humanities, Natural and Social Sciences.