Assessment Of The Influence Of Social Media On Sexual Behavior Of Adolescents In Selected Universities In Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.

##plugins.pubIds.doi.readerDisplayName## https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21911395

Authors

Okon, Ephraim Victor
Institute Of Strategic And Development Communication (Isdevcom), Nasarawa State Unversity, Keffi, Nigeria
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9806-9437

Keywords:

Social Media, Adolescents, Sextual Behaviour, Federal Capital Territory, Information Communication Technology

Synopsis

The evolution of information and communication technology and its influences has shaped society, particularly by introducing social media technology. However, the development of various social media to enhance learning opportunities and increase access to information has also paved the way for exposure to illicit sexual content online, and the mismanagement of social sites has been linked to risky sexual behaviour among adolescents. This study assessed the influence of social media on the sexual behaviour of adolescents in selected universities in the federal capital territory as the broad objective. The study population is 21,086 newly admitted adolescents, with a sample size 385. The study is anchored on Albert Bandura's social learning theory, Uses and Gratification Theory, Problem Behaviour Theory, and the Integrated Behaviour Model Theory of Behaviour Change. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and administered online, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The Likert four-point scale rating was employed, and collated data were analysed using the mean value of 2.50 above to draw inference. The study revealed that all of the respondents, 326 (100.0%), had access to the Internet and operated various social media accounts on various platforms. Findings indicated that prolonged usage, content, peer pressure and online communities significantly influence sexual behaviour. The study recommended, among other things, the design, development, and implementation of sexual and behavioural change educational interventions that will expose adolescents to the danger inherent in negative uses of social media predicting risky sexual behaviours.

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Published

5 August 2026
Copyright (c) Okon, Ephraim Victor

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ISBN-13 (15)

978-81-689872-3-4

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ISBN-13 (15)

978-81-689872-2-7

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