ASSESSING INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE BY YOUTHS AND ITS IMPACT ON CRIME IN EKITI STATE NIGERIA: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY
Abstract
Without any scintilla of doubt, technological invention which ushered in the use of internet and social media have transformed all aspects of human life in the 21st century. This has led to enhanced connectivity which allows easy communication while performing other activities. The accessibility nature of the internet has made it easier for young people of different backgrounds to find new interests. However, despite their advantages of the internet and social media, they also post risks to the safety and security of Nigeria. It plays an awkward role in information struggle, brainwashing the youths into crime, goals falsehood and spreading uncontrollable dangers. This study assesses internet and social media usage by youths and its impact on crime in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study derives its sources from observations and secondary sources which cover journals, textbooks, internet materials, and so on. The study revealed that most of the university undergraduates use internet and social media effectively and utilize it to perpetrate crime of different kinds in Ekiti State, Nigeria. It was further revealed that social media monitoring and open source intelligence tools can be used in real-time monitoring of social media discussions to discover dangers to the state and its security in real-time. The study concluded that the internet and social media are effective means of mobilizing youths for crime and that it plays a huge role in state security. It is recommended that there is a need to engage the youths in gainful employment. The state and the federal government should endeavor to provide lasting solutions to problems of crime, by introducing futuristic and practical strategies that will help curb dissatisfaction, perceived marginalization, and discrimination among youths. Youth development strategies must include value re-orientation, value-based education, and further re-orientation programs. This involves the full support of family members, the public, and the government.
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