INFLUENCE OF BIG BROTHER NAIJA REALITY TELEVISION SHOW ON THE MORAL BEHAVIOUR OF YOUTHS IN BENIN METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

This research examines the influence of Big Brother Naija reality television show on the moral behaviour of youths in Benin metropolis. This research was based on 400 respondents as a sample size to determine the response to the subject matter of which 360 were used and 40 discarded due to improper representation. The study showed that truly, a large number of youths in Benin metropolis watch the show and are heavily influenced through it in their day to day. Through this research, we see that a large number of respondents were between the ages of 21-30 years old. In this research, we realize that the contents of this show to viewers watching are up to no good for the society. Contents of the show, as gathered using the questionnaire as a research instrument, were promiscuous and immoral contents. However, when there is an advantage to something, there is also a disadvantage. We can also see that contents from this show, even though has more negative effects, also has its positive effects like competitiveness and cooperation. Standing on the theory of cultivation for this study, television contents can have a strong hold on its viewers, shaping their beliefs and perceptions and directly or indirectly influencing their personal lives and also that of the people they interact with everyday. The theory states that the more you watch television contents, the more you behave like the content portrays. Conclusively, this research work contributes to the understanding of the influence television shows, particularly Big Brother Naija, has on its viewers in Benin metropolis as well as possible solutions to mitigate the spread of it on viewers and the society at large.