INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR OF UNDERGRADUATES OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (FUTA), AKURE

Abstract

Considering the fact that social media improves learning possibilities and expands access to knowledge, it has also made it easier for students to access inappropriate sexual content, and misuse of social media has been associated with dangerous sexual behaviours. This study investigated the influence of social media use on the sexual behaviour of undergraduates of the Federal University of Technology, Akure. The study aims to examine common social media sites that respondents commonly use, sexual behaviours that are influenced by social media, social media usage patterns, and exposure to explicit content. Five hundred respondents were purposively chosen from among the university's several faculties. Results indicated that respondents were exposed to sexually explicit material on social media, which also impacted their sexual behaviour. Respondents' sexual behaviours included sexting and having explicit conversations with their partners, sharing sexual jokes and memes, and primarily using social media sites for pornographic videos and photo content. The study finds that young people, in general, and undergraduates, in particular, are engaging in sexual behaviours inconsistent with societal norms at an alarming rate. It was recommended that the Federal University of Technology, Akure management consider including media literacy programmes in academic courses. These programmes can empower students to critically analyse and navigate the influence of social media content on their attitudes and behaviours toward sexual relationships.