THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN STIMULATING DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR IN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Social media can be described as human-to-human contact in which individuals produce, share, and/or exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks via social media sites. According to Nwabueze, & Aduba, (2014), the notion of social media is built on four fundamental pillars: collaboration, participation, enablement, and time. Users obtain some type of sanctioning through the usage of social media, allowing for an open arena for interactions (Omolo, 2014). Social media is an internet-based application that is built on Web 2.0 ideology and technology that allows individuals all over the globe to create and trade social media (Okombe N.  & Ondiek, A. 2013). Many items, such as Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, and Pinterest, may now channel more interactive, rapid, and engaging historical knowledge thanks to the application of digitizing technology via popular websites and social networks. Furthermore, easily available information with more flexible space can boost the supply and applications of evidence (Roberts, 2011).

The emergence of social media has both beneficial and bad effects on community development.

Social media plays a role in shaping the cultural uniformity that is produced as a result of the influence of social media on individuals' value systems, thoughts, and actions. According to Santrock, (2015), the influence and impact of social media may be seen on a local scale and a large one, as well as the diffusion of specific influences sooner or later.  It also contributes to the formation of a nation's identity and culture, which aids in the general growth of the country (Okombe N & Ondiek, A 2013). Social media is a tool for stimulating and influencing the attitudes and behaviors of individuals and communities that embrace all aspects of human life. One of the negative effects of social media is the stimulating of deviant behaviour in teens  (Nwabueze, & Aduba, 2014).

Deviant behavior is described as failing to follow the rules or standards of society or the norms of the school. According to the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary six editions as cited in Santrock, J.W (2015), deviant behavior is defined as behavior that differs from what is expected of others, and according to Chambers Dictionary in the twentieth century, deviant behavior is defined as behavior that differs from what is expected of others. Deviant behavior is defined as deviating from the norms of a certain group of individuals in a culture or community. That is, deviating from the specified standards of a governmental system or a social principle; such behavior may be classified as crime, intoxication, indiscipline in school, house prostitution, cultism, gambling, or other. It has been found that a significant proportion of students at higher education institutions engage in deviant behavior (Omolo, 2014). They become deviant when they engage in activities that are not within the authority of the school system or society. Social media is a phenomenon that has impacted the community as a result of the advancement of the world. Social media is being abused to gain access to inappropriate websites, such as pornographic websites. Pornography is a problem that has a significant impact on the future survival of the younger generation. Online and offline games have a negative impact on teenagers who engage in excessive surfing. is a phenomenon that arose in the community as a result of the advancement of the world. Social media is being abused to gain access to inappropriate websites, such as pornographic websites. Pornography is a problem that has a significant impact on the future survival of the younger generation. Online and offline games have a harmful influence on teens who engage in excessive browsing (Omolo, 2014).

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Roberts, J. K. (2011) noticed that there is evidence that the rise of social media and the availability of sexual material has resulted in an increase in deviant behavior among young people. Because of social media's ability to provide discretion and a seamless sharing tool, there has been an increase in sexual immorality among secondary school students. Furthermore, on some social media sites, such as Facebook, numerous groups have been formed that glorify drug use among secondary school students. Social media platforms have enabled friends from the same secondary schools to join restricted user groups in which they plan how to cyber harass rival school pupils and other specific persons in online communities. Furthermore, through these social media groups, students have been known to discuss and exchange information on the organization of school strikes, which have resulted in arson assaults and, in some cases, the loss of life of their fellow students inside Langata Sub-County. As a result, this study looked at the impact of social media on deviant behavior such as drug misuse, cyberbullying, aggression, and sexual activity among secondary school students (Omolo, 2014).

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The primary objective of this study is to assess the influence of Social media in stimulating deviant behaviour in secondary school students in Nigeria. Other objectives of this study are:

i.          To examine how the influence of social media stimulates violence in secondary school students in Nigeria.

ii.        To determine the role of social media in the high rise of drug abuse in secondary school students in Nigeria.

iii.      To assess the influence of social media in stimulating sexual behaviour among  secondary school students in Nigeria

1.4 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

The following null hypotheses will be tested in this study:

H01: the influence of social media does not stimulate violence in secondary school students in Nigeria.

H02: the influence of social media does not instigate the high rise of drug abuse in secondary school students in Nigeria.

H03:  influence of social media does not stimulate sexual behaviour among  secondary school students in Nigeria

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be of great benefit educational instructors  and administrators as the results will show the effects of social media and how it stimulates deviant behaviour in secondary school students. It will also be beneficial to students senior secondary school students as they will know the negative impacts of social media.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study will be focusing on the influence of Social media in stimulating deviant behaviour in secondary school students in Nigeria. It will look at how it stimulates violence, sexual activity etc.in secondary school students.

This study will be using teachers and students of selected students in Enugu state as enrolled participants.

1.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study will be limited to the influence of Social media in stimulating deviant behaviour in secondary school students in Nigeria. It will not be looking at the challenges the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something, or the effect itself.and as such will not be proffering solutions.

This study will be limited to some selected seconsdary schools in Enugu state. The findings cannot be used in any other part of the country until further research is carried out.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Influence: the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something, or the effect itself.

Stimulating: encouraging or arousing interest or enthusiasm

Deviant behaviour: behavior that violates the normative rules, understandings, or expectations of social systems.

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