EXPOSURE TO SOCIAL MEDIA SEXUAL CONTENT AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OF THE UNDERGRADUATES OF UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

The main purpose of this study was to know the extent of exposure to social media sexual content and it's Influence on the sexual behavior of undergraduates of University of Benin. The study was to address four research objectives. The study was anchored on the Uses and gratification theory and Media dependency theory. In this study a survey research design was adopted. The population comprises all students from the four department, Mass communication,Theatre Arts,Fine Arts,Early childhood education in University of Benin, Ekehuan Campus,Edo state. A seventeen item questionnaire was used in the survey design to collect data from 352 students of Ekehuan campus University of Benin. As a result of the field study and analysis of results. The findings revealed that social media exposure to Sexual content can have a detrimental effect on the sexual and public health of undergraduates and can therefore elevate prevalence if STDs and Unwanted Pregnancy. Undergraduates should learn not to rely too much on social media platforms. The study also adds to the understanding of the economic and societal impact of the exposure to sexual Content on social media.