ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN PROMOTING CYBERCRIME

ABSTRACT

This research investigates the role of social media in promoting cybercrime among undergraduates in the Ekehuan Campus of university of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. Guided by the Uses and Gratifications theory, the study employs a Survey research design, it utilized an 18-item closed-ended questionnaire. Findings from the study reveal that a significant majority of undergraduate students at Ekehuan Campus, comprising 61.11%, have actively used social media for 3 to 4 years, with 50% dedicating 2 to 4 hours daily, highlighting its integral role in their daily lives. To mitigate the risks associated with social media and cybercrime among students, it is recommended that educational institutions should incorporate awareness campaigns within their curriculum, focusing on cybersecurity education and responsible social media usage. Additionally, social media platforms should intensify user education efforts, especially in the prevention of  scam attempts. Collaboration between privacy advocates, educational institutions, and cybersecurity initiatives is crucial in fostering cyber security awareness and ensuring a safer online environment for students.