IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

RESEARCH JOURNAL OF MASS COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (RJMCIT )

E-ISSN 2545-529X
P-ISSN 2695-2475
VOL. 11 NO. 1 2025
DOI: 10.56201/rjmcit.vol.11.no1.2025.pg40.53

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Social Media Video Content Consumption and Risky Sexual Behaviour Among Undergraduate Students in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Undutimi J. Dudafa, PhD, Toinpre C. Titus

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Abstract

This study examines the relationship between social media video content consumption and risky sexual behaviour among undergraduate students in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, using the Online Distribution Effect (ODE) theory. The cross-sectional study surveyed 384 students from Niger Delta University and Federal University, Otuoke. The results reveal significant engagement with various types of social media content, including short movie clips (66.7%), political discussions (66.7%), and porn-related videos (66.4%), while comedy and celebrity lifestyle content were less popular. Correspondingly, risky sexual behaviours such as cybersex (66.4%), sexting (66.4%), and webcam sex (66.7%) were frequently reported. The frequency of engaging in risky sexual behaviour was notably high for experiences lasting more than a month (33.6%) and less than a week (31.5%). Regarding time spent viewing content, 65.1% of students typically engaged in 20-30 minutes of social media viewing. The primary motivations for viewing videos included excitement (68.5%) and leisure (66.7%), with a notable 49% reporting an increased desire for risky sexual behaviour after viewing such content. The negative effects reported by respondents included depression (17.7%), loss of interest (17.4%), and trouble concentrating (15.9%). These findings suggest that exposure to certain types of online video content can significantly impact the sexual behaviours and well-being of students in the region.

keywords:

Online Distribution Effect, Social Media, Risky Sexual Behaviour, Undergraduate

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