INFLUENCE OF FACEBOOK-BASED SEXUAL CONTENTS ON THE SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR OF NIGER STATE YOUTHS

This study examined the influence of Facebook-based sexual content on the social behaviour of youths in Niger State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to examine the extent of exposure of Niger State youths to Facebook-based sexual content, determine the influence of Facebook-based sexual content on their social behaviour and identify the factors influencing exposure to Facebook-based sexual content among youths in the state. The study was anchored on the Social Cognitive Theory, which explains that individuals learn attitudes and behaviours through observation, imitation and interaction with their environment. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the study comprised 6,046,898 youths in Niger State, while a sample size of 400 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select the respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through printed copies and Google Forms. Out of the 400 questionnaires distributed, 382 were properly completed and returned, representing a response rate of 95.5%. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that Niger State youths are exposed to Facebook-based sexual content to a considerable extent (Aggregate Mean = 2.91). The study also found that exposure to Facebook-based sexual content significantly influences the social behaviour of youths by affecting their communication patterns, relationships, attitudes, dressing and interactions with others (Aggregate Mean = 2.94). Furthermore, the study identified frequent Facebook use, Facebook recommendation algorithms, friends' online activities, participation in Facebook groups and inadequate parental supervision as the major factors influencing exposure to Facebook-based sexual content (Aggregate Mean = 2.95). The study concluded that Facebook-based sexual content has a significant influence on the social behaviour of youths in Niger State. It recommended that parents, educators, government agencies and social media companies should strengthen media literacy programmes, promote responsible social media use and improve content regulation to reduce youths' exposure to inappropriate sexual content.