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Read moreThis study assessed influence of social media specifically Facebook and TikTok communication on circular economy awareness and engagement among users in Imo State. The specific objectives include; to determine the level of exposure to the circular economy concepts on social media platforms; ascertain the level of knowledge among users; examine influence of social media communication on users' awareness and engagement in CE; and identify factors that affect users' practice of CE. The study was anchored on the theory of technological determinism. The mixed-method consisting of the survey and the in-depth interview methods was adopted to study residents in Imo state with estimated population of 5,766,234. Sample size of 384 was derived using Krejcie and Morgan sample size table for the survey. While a sample size of 9 respondents for the in-depth interview was formed based on saturation principle. A multi-stage sampling approach guided the selection of participants for the study. A structured questionnaire and interview guide were the instruments for data collection. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Finding revealed that majority (51%) of the respondents use facebook and TikTok several times everyday. Moderate level of exposure to CE principles was observed. Majority (55%) of the respondents understand that circular economy model promotes waste reduction and effective materials management. 51% and 50% rejected that their awareness and engagement in CE are linked to Facebook and TikTok messages. Majority (79%) of Keywords: Respondent affirmed that significant barriers, including insufficient knowledge and inadequate enabling facilities (51%) hinder CE implementation. The researchers recommended among others for collaboration among environmental agencies, the academia and social media stakeholders toward improving CE knowledge and engagement.
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Awareness, Circular Economy, Engagement, Social Media Communication, Waste Management
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