SOCIAL MEDIA

This study was designed to investigate the use of social media among public secondary school students in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. To achieve the purpose intended for the study, four research questions were raised to guide the study. The questions raised and examined include to what extent does the use of social media influence student academic performance in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State? Which social networking sites public secondary school students in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State visit more often? What purposes do students in public secondary schools in Egor use their chosen social media for? Which Information Communication Technologies do students’ mostly use to explore their social media? The population of the study comprised of four thousand eight hundred and sixty-four students (4,864) in the twelve (12) secondary senior schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The sample for the study consists of four ix hundred and eighty-six (486) students which 100% of the total population drawn from three (3) senior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The simple random sampling technique was used in selecting these three schools from the total numbers of Senior Public Secondary Schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. One hundred and sixty-two (162) students were drawn from each school with the use of purposive random sampling technique. The reliability index of the instrument was 0.73 using Cronbach’s alpha statistical formula from data from the pilot study carried out on it. The data collected were analysed using frequency count, simple percentage, and mean score standard. Findings from the study revealed that Male and female students use social media networks differently in different frequencies. It was discovered that female students use social networking sites more to explicitly foster social connections. It was seen that gender determines the level of social media network usage from the study it was recommended that students should be educated on the influence of social media on their academic performance. Students should be monitored by information and communications technology facilities for teaching student in senior secondary schools. Teacher should properly utilize the available information x and communications technology facilities in teaching student in senior secondary schools.

This study explores the influence of social media on the sexual behavior of university students, focusing on the unique context of the University of Benin. The proliferation of social media platforms has raised concerns about its potential impact on students' sexual behavior. Existing literature suggests that social media can expose individuals to sexual content, facilitate peer influence, and influence risky sexual behaviors. However, it also serves as a platform for sexual health education and discourse. The research employed a survey design, with data collected from 300 randomly selected undergraduate students across multiple faculties. The study found that social media does indeed exert a significant influence on students' sexual behavior, shaping their attitudes and perceptions of romantic relationships. It was observed that social media content can create pressure for conformity to certain behaviors and norms. Additionally, the study revealed that social media plays a complex role in shaping students' perceptions of risky sexual behaviors. While exposure to content can cultivate an appreciation for excitement and risk, students approach these portrayals with a degree of critical discernment. In terms of sexual health education, the research found that students do not primarily rely on social media for accurate information. However, they recognize its role in destigmatizing discussions about sexual health topics. In conclusion, this study highlights the multifaceted impact of social media on the sexual behavior, perceptions, and health education of university students. It underscores the need for targeted sexual health education campaigns, media literacy programs, safe online spaces for discussions, and stricter content regulation on social media platforms. Further research is recommended to explore the nuances of this relationship in greater dept.

This study looks at how well social media works in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, to improve public perception of the social work profession. The study uses quota sampling and a descriptive research approach to examine the interaction and content on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The study finds important themes and attitudes that shape public opinion through questionnaires. The results show that social media used strategically greatly improves community comprehension and appreciation of social work services. The study comes to the conclusion that social media may be a powerful tool for social advocacy and education when used wisely, which will make the workplace a more encouraging place for social workers.

Social media has become a force in democratic ideals around the world, drastically changing how people communicate politically and engage in public discourse around the world. Scientific analysis has focused on the exponential rise in social media users over the years. There were 5.24 billion social media users globally at the start of the year 2025, with annualized growth of 4.1 per cent of new users. In July 2024, for instance, about 123 Nigerians (more than half of the population) are registered internet users, with about 84 per cent of internet traffic generated through mobile devices. Among the users, the youth dominate the demographic population of internet users. This study attempted to examine the impact of social media on youths’ political participation in the 2023 presidential election in the Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. Participation in politics remains pivotal in the sustenance of a nation’s democracy. The study utilized a structured questionnaire to draw data from a random sample of 400 respondents. A theory of Uses and Gratification was deployed to assess youths' motivation for social media use during the election. The findings showed that different forms of social media technologies were used by the youth to participate in the 2023 presidential elections in the Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, such as WhatsApp, TikTok. Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Secondly, the findings showed that social media use facilitated the youth’s dissemination of political information in the 2023 presidential election in the Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State by enabling them to get and send information, campaign for their preferred candidate and debate with their social media users. The third finding showed that social media use influenced the youth’s choice of candidate in the 2023 presidential election in the Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State by helping them to choose their right candidate in the 2023 presidential election in the Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. The last finding revealed that different challenges were encountered by the youths while using the social media platforms. These include the government’s unnecessary social media censorship, high data tariff, persistent network glitches, epileptic power supply, fake news and cyber stalking and bullying. The study recommends a need for increased advocacy on the use of social media during elections; a need to address the menace of fake news, cyberbullying and stalking and false information using social media platforms; and a need for the Nigerian government to ensure that the youths’ fundamental rights of free speech and association are preserved.

The Middle Belt of Nigeria has increasingly become a focal point of conflict and insecurity, primarily due to the alarming rise of banditry. This region, known for its rich cultural diversity and complex socio-political landscape, has faced a significant escalation in violent attacks, kidnappings, and other forms of criminality. Banditry is not merely a law enforcement challenge; it intertwines with historical grievances, economic disparities, and social dynamics that have developed over decades. The consequences of this violence are profound, leading to loss of life, displacement, and a pervasive atmosphere of fear that affects everyday life in the region Historically, banditry in Nigeria has evolved from a combination of socio-economic stressors, including poverty, unemployment, and competition for resources 2 In the Middle Belt, issues such as land disputes and struggles over access to grazing routes have intensified tensions among different ethnic groups. These historical conflicts, often exacerbated by a lack of effective governance and security, have created an environment where armed groups can thrive 3 Communities are left vulnerable, often relying on traditional forms of conflict resolution that may no longer be effective in the face of modern criminal tactics.