Field Data of The Impact of Virtual Private Network (VPN) On Nigerians During The 2021 Twitter Ban

Field Data_The Impact of Virtual Private Network (VPN) On Nigerians During The 2021 Twitter Ban ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of the 2021 Twitter ban in Nigeria, focusing on the frequency and awareness of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and Twitter usage among Nigerians. Employing a survey research method, data was collected from 400 respondents through online and offline questionnaires, the research examines how Nigerians adapted to the ban. It finds a significant decline in Twitter usage from 70.5% to 61% among the respondents post-ban, reflecting the Media System Dependency Theory's implications on disrupted information access and communication. The study also observes an increased adoption of VPNs, particularly IPVanish, aligning with the Technology Acceptance Model's focus on perceived ease of use and usefulness. Limited awareness and understanding of VPNs among Nigerians were noted, indicating a need for greater digital literacy. The demographic analysis reveals a predominant user base among young adults (21 to 25 years), with no significant gender disparity. The study reveals resilience and adaptability in response to digital censorship, stressing the necessity for balanced regulation of digital spaces, user-centric technology design, and enhanced digital literacy. While centred on Nigeria's Twitter ban, the findings offer broader insights into the global interaction of technology, policy, and human behaviour, advocating for open and accessible digital environments. The research highlights the intricate dynamics of social media, VPN adoption, and demographic factors, underscoring the need for nuanced regulatory approaches and continuous user education in Nigeria's online landscape.

实地数据集：2021年推特（Twitter）封禁期间虚拟专用网络（Virtual Private Network，VPN）对尼日利亚民众的影响

摘要：本研究聚焦2021年尼日利亚推特封禁事件，旨在探究虚拟专用网络（Virtual Private Network，VPN）的使用频率、认知度与推特（Twitter）使用行为在尼日利亚民众中的关联，考察民众对该封禁举措的适应情况。本研究采用调查研究法，通过线上与线下问卷共收集400名受访者的数据，分析民众在封禁后的行为变化。研究发现，封禁后受访者的推特使用率从70.5%降至61%，降幅显著，该结果印证了媒介系统依赖理论（Media System Dependency Theory）关于信息获取与通信中断的相关论断。同时，研究观察到民众对VPN的采用率有所提升，其中尤以IPVanish的普及最为明显，这与技术接受模型（Technology Acceptance Model）所强调的感知易用性与感知有用性的核心观点相符。此外，研究发现尼日利亚民众对VPN的认知与理解存在局限，反映出提升数字素养的必要性。人口统计学分析显示，VPN用户群体以21至25岁的青年群体为主体，未出现显著的性别差异。本研究揭示了民众应对数字审查时展现出的韧性与适应能力，同时强调了对数字空间实施均衡监管、推进以用户为中心的技术设计以及强化数字素养的重要性。尽管本研究围绕尼日利亚推特封禁事件展开，但其研究发现可为全球范围内技术、政策与人类行为的交互关系提供更广泛的洞察，呼吁构建开放且可及的数字环境。本研究还点明了社交媒体、VPN采用行为与人口统计学因素之间的复杂互动机制，凸显了尼日利亚网络空间中采用精细化监管路径并持续开展用户教育的必要性。