“Facebook Love” on Social Networking Platforms: An Analysis of the Linguistic Expression and Portrayal of Love in a Selected Nigerian Hip-Hop Track

Abstract

This research work discussed the expression of love relationships in new media, particularly in a social networking platform; Facebook. Its objectives were achieved through the juxtaposition of this idea in line with further exploration as expressed in a Nigerian song titled Facebook Love, a seminal hip-hop song which expressed goings-on on the social networking site, Facebook. It noted that love relationships took two dimensions which are positive and negative. The study found that love relationships across new media platforms are easy to start up, interactive with chat and instant messaging facilities, and provide a wider array of networking possibilities. In contrast to these however, the kind of love proclaimed there is riddled with deceit, lies, addiction, and infatuation among some other things that people tend to avoid in face-to-face communication.