Background of the study:
Social media has revolutionized communication and information dissemination, particularly among youths. In Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, there is growing concern that these platforms may also influence criminal behavior. The accessibility of social media has altered the way young individuals perceive norms and engage with both positive and negative behaviors (Ibok, 2023). Evidence suggests that social media can serve as a double-edged sword; while it promotes connectivity and awareness, it can also expose impressionable youths to criminal ideologies and online radicalization (Effiong, 2024). The phenomenon is compounded by the rapid spread of misinformation and the glamorization of criminal lifestyles through online content (Ibok, 2023). As youths increasingly rely on digital platforms for social interaction, the potential for these media to act as catalysts for deviant behavior grows, particularly in the absence of robust digital literacy and parental guidance (Effiong, 2024). Furthermore, the anonymity provided by social media encourages individuals to experiment with and even adopt criminal behaviors without immediate social repercussions. This study intends to explore how social media influences criminal behavior among youths, examining the interplay between online content, peer pressure, and the erosion of traditional social controls (Ibok, 2023).
Statement of the problem:
In Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, there is an alarming trend of criminal behavior among youths that appears to be linked to their extensive use of social media (Effiong, 2024). The unrestricted access to online platforms has led to the dissemination of content that sometimes glorifies criminality, thereby normalizing deviant behavior (Ibok, 2023). This situation poses serious challenges to both community safety and youth development. Despite initiatives aimed at promoting digital literacy, the gap between responsible online behavior and the allure of criminal mimicry persists, necessitating a focused investigation into this emerging issue (Effiong, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
To examine the influence of social media on youth criminal behavior.
To determine the extent to which online content contributes to criminal tendencies.
To recommend measures to mitigate the negative impact of social media on youth behavior.
Research questions:
How does social media influence criminal behavior among youths?
What types of online content are most associated with criminal tendencies?
What strategies can curb the negative effects of social media on youth behavior?
Research Hypotheses:
There is a significant relationship between social media exposure and criminal behavior among youths.
Online content that glamorizes crime increases the likelihood of deviant behavior.
Enhanced digital literacy reduces the negative influence of social media on youths.
Significance of the study:
This study is significant as it examines the role of social media in shaping youth behavior, particularly its potential to foster criminal activities. The findings will aid policymakers and educators in developing strategies to promote safer online practices and reduce criminal tendencies among the youth of Ikot Ekpene (Ibok, 2023; Effiong, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to assessing the influence of social media on criminal behavior among youths in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. It focuses exclusively on the online environment and its impact on youth conduct.
Definitions of terms:
Social media: Digital platforms that facilitate the sharing of information and communication among users.
Criminal behavior: Actions that violate legal and societal norms.
Digital literacy: The competence to critically evaluate and effectively use digital content.
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