What impact of social networks on democracy in subsaharan African ? An analysis under the prism of Downs (1957) theory

Abstract

This study examines the effect of social networks on democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa. Although the subject is not new in the literature, the study has the particularity of taking into account the effect of information asymmetries in determining the utility that citizens hope to derive from democracy. From analyses conducted using the instrumental variables method, it appears that the effect of social networks on democracy is differential depending on whether one is in a situation of information asymmetry or not. In a situation of information symmetry, the rationality of the citizen is optimal, he makes good decisions in electoral matters and social networks contribute to improve the usefulness he derives from democracy by 20%.  On the other hand, in a situation of information asymmetry, it is deceived by the political system and its decisions tend to reduce its usefulness by 7 points. Results, although attached to some limits, challenge governments in the direction of promoting transparency of information for a good democracy