PERCEPTION AND ROLES OF SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE ON CYBERCRIME

AMONG THE UNDERGRADUATES’ STUDENTS OF OLABISI

ONABANJO UNIVERSITY

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Background of the Study

The majority of crimes in primitive civilizations were organized and carried out in rudimentary,
mechanical ways, involving the use of force by the perpetrators with the use of specific
mechanical or physical tools. Since the introduction of ICT in general and social media in
particular, crimes and the methods by which they are planned and carried out have evolved in
modern societies in tandem with technological sophistication and advancement (Angioha,
Enukoha, Agba, & Ikhizamah, 2020; Ukwayi, Akintola, & Angioha, 2019; Ukwayi, Obafaye, &
Akintola, 2019). The emergence of these new technologies has led to a new wave of criminal
activity known as cybercrime, which includes crimes carried out over the internet and social
media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Twitter.

Social media has ingrained itself into daily life in the digital age, impacting many facets of
society, including criminal activity. Globally, social media platforms have completely changed
how people communicate and share information. A Pew Research Center survey from 2018
states that more than 70% of adults in developed economies use social media, and comparable
patterns are seen throughout the world. Although these platforms have many advantages, they
also give attackers additional avenues for attack. For example, a study conducted by the
European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA, 2020) shows that social media platforms are
being used more and more for identity theft, phishing, and cyberbullying, among other types of
cybercrime. The global increase in social media-related cybercrime can be attributed to the
extensive personal data available online. Research by the Global Cyber Alliance (2021) notes
that cybercriminals exploit this data to commit fraud and other criminal activities. Moreover, the
ease of access to information on social media makes it a prime target for malicious actors aiming
to exploit vulnerabilities.

In Africa, social media has experienced significant growth. According to the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU, 2022), social media penetration in Africa has grown
substantially, with over 40% of the population now using these platforms. This surge in usage
has led to a corresponding rise in cybercrime incidents. The African Union's Cyber Security
Initiative (2021) reports that social media is increasingly being used as a tool for cybercrimes
such as scams, identity theft, and cyberbullying. A study by the African Center for Cyber
Security (2023) highlights that the rapid adoption of social media in Africa has outpaced the
development of effective regulatory frameworks and cybersecurity measures. This imbalance has
created a fertile ground for cybercriminal activities, affecting individuals and institutions alike.

In Nigeria, social media's impact on cybercrime is particularly pronounced among younger

demographics, including undergraduate students. With social media platforms such as Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram being widely used by Nigerian youth, the susceptibility to cybercrime has
become a significant concern. According to the National Information Technology Development
Agency (NITDA, 2023), Nigeria has seen a rise in cybercrimes, including online scams and
phishing attacks, which often target vulnerable student populations. A study by Adediran and Ojo
(2023) emphasizes that undergraduate students in Nigeria are particularly susceptible to
cybercrime due to factors such as limited cybersecurity awareness and the pervasive nature of
social media. The researchers note that students often fall victim to scams and identity theft due
to their frequent use of social media and the limited protective measures they employ.

The relationship between social media and cybercrime among undergraduate students has been
an area of growing concern which highlighting both the influences of digital culture and the
vulnerabilities it introduces. Social media platforms, initially designed for socialization and
information sharing, have unfortunately evolved as arenas for various cybercriminal activities,
including identity theft, hacking, and online scams. For undergraduate students, social media’s
accessibility and the anonymity it often provides can inadvertently foster behaviors aligned with
cybercrime, especially as digital peer influence and pressures around financial gain take hold
(Ali et al., 2020). A critical factor in this connection is the integration of social media into
everyday student life. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter not only provide
entertainment but also present opportunities for students to engage in cybercrimes such as
phishing or online fraud (Yahoo Yahoo). Research shows that students with limited financial
resources are more prone to engage in “internet fraud” through impersonation or even “romance
scams” as a means of economic survival, highlighting a troubling intersection of socio-economic
pressures and cybercrime motivations (Olowu & Bello, 2019). Additionally, certain online
groups and forums encourage these behaviors by offering tutorials on basic hacking techniques
or fraud schemes, which some students, eager to keep up with peers, might adopt (Ngwoke et al.,
2021).

Social media’s algorithms and engagement features, designed to keep users active, can
desensitize individuals to ethical boundaries over time. This desensitization makes it easier for
students to justify and normalize cybercrime, viewing it as less severe than physical crime
(Akanle & Adesina, 2023). The literature increasingly suggests that this normalization is
particularly evident among undergraduates, who are frequently exposed to the notion that success
—often portrayed through luxurious lifestyles—is achievable through cybercrime, indirectly
incentivized by social media influencers and their content. Economic pressures drive students to
engage in or become victims of cybercrime. A study by Eze and Okonkwo (2024) suggests that
financial hardships may lead some students to participate in online scams or fall prey to
fraudulent schemes promising quick financial gains. Victims of cybercrime may experience
financial loss, emotional distress, and academic disruptions. Additionally, the prevalence of
cybercrime can undermine the overall sense of security within academic institutions, affecting
student morale and academic performance.

The influence of social media on cybercrime among Nigerian undergraduates is a significant

concern that reflects broader global trends. As social media usage continues to grow,
understanding and addressing the associated risks is crucial. This involves enhancing
cybersecurity awareness among students, improving regulatory frameworks, and providing
support systems within educational institutions to mitigate the impact of cybercrime. By
addressing these issues, this study will be conducted in other to make policy maker know the
possibility to create a safer digital environment for Nigerian undergraduates and foster a more
secure online community.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In recent years, the pervasive use of social media has significantly transformed communication
and information sharing, offered numerous benefits but also introduced new challenges and risks.
Among these challenges is the increased incidence of cybercrime, which poses a growing threat
to individuals, particularly among the youth. At Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), the impact
of social media on cybercrime has become an area of concern that warrants detailed
investigation.

Undergraduate students’ perceptions of cybercrime are shaped by the visibility and normalization
of such activities on social media. Platforms where users share experiences and successes can
sometimes inadvertently glamorize illicit behaviors. For example, stories of online fraud (such as
"yahoo yahoo," internet fraud are often portrayed as a means of achieving financial freedom or
material success. This portrayal desensitized students to the seriousness of cybercrime and lead
to a distorted view of what constitutes acceptable online behavior. At the same time, the notion of
"everyone doing it" further normalize illegal activities among students. If students perceive that
their peers or even celebrities (such as social media influencers) have engaged in or benefited
from unethical behavior without facing severe consequences, they come to believe that
cybercrime is a legitimate way to cope with personal or financial struggles. The problem here is
the disconnect between the reality of cybercrime (its potential consequences, both legal and
social) and the way it is presented on social media.

A significant factor driving students toward cybercrime is the socio-economic pressures they
face. Many students struggle with financial constraints, rising educational costs, and limited job
opportunities, leading some to feel that traditional means of achieving success are inadequate. In
such cases, students perceive cybercrime as a “quick fix” to their financial problems. Social
media, which often showcases luxurious lifestyles, expensive brands, and the success stories of
influencers, may exacerbate this desire to attain similar wealth and status. Students under such
pressures may rationalize illegal actions, such as financial scams or hacking, as necessary steps
to achieve the lifestyle they see online. The ability to anonymously engage in cybercrimes
provides a sense of security, making it more tempting. Moreover, social media influencers, who
may not openly endorse criminal behavior, nevertheless foster a culture of excess and
materialism, contributing to a mindset that associates wealth with success often without
revealing the illegal means by which it was attained.

The normalization of cybercrimes is, in part, fueled by this visibility of success linked to digital
deception, making it seem as though “everyone is doing it,” creating a cycle where cybercrimes
become more socially acceptable among certain circles. Understanding the extent of these issues
at OOU and how students perceive and respond to social media-related cybercrime is crucial for
developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies.

1.3 Research Questions

1. What are the various types of cybercrimes exhibited by undergraduate students of OOU
as a result of their social media use?
2. What are the socio-economic factors that drive undergraduate students of OOU to engage
in cybercrime?
3. What are the perceive relationship between social media use and the normalization of
cybercrimes among undergraduate students of OOU?
4. What are the coping strategies to prevent undergraduate students from indulging in
cybercrime?

1.4 Research Objectives

1. To know the various types of cybercrimes exhibited by undergraduate students of OOU

as a result of their social media use
2. To examine the socio-economic factors that drive undergraduate students of OOU to
engage in cybercrime
3. To investigate the perceive relationship between social media use and the normalization
of cybercrimes among undergraduate students of OOU
4. To know the coping strategies to prevent undergraduate students from indulging in
cybercrime

1.5 Significance of the study

The significance of studying the perception and roles of social media influence on cybercrime
among undergraduate students at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) lies in revealing the
prevalent types of cybercrimes exhibited by undergraduates’ students of OOU and the factors
that push undergraduates to involves in cybercrime. The research will lead to the promotion of
safer social media practices among students. Through its findings, the study will advocate for the
adoption of best practices in online behavior, such as improved privacy settings, awareness of
phishing scams, and cautious sharing of personal information. This proactive approach will
significantly reduce the incidence of cybercrime and enhance overall digital safety. The findings
of this study will provide valuable insights for university administrators and policymakers.
Understanding the specific perceptions of students will guide the development of more effective
cybersecurity policies and support systems within the university. The research adds to the
growing body of knowledge on the intersection of social media and cybercrime, particularly
within the context of Nigerian universities. By focusing on Olabisi Onabanjo University, the
study provides localized insights that will complement broader national and international
research. This contributes to a deeper understanding of how social media-related cybercrime
manifests in different cultural and educational settings.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study will focus on the Perception and Roles of Social Media Influence on Cybercrime and
the study will be conducted among the undergraduates’ students of Olabisi Onabanjo University.
The choice of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) as the focal institution for this study on the
perception and role of social media influence on cybercrime among undergraduate students is
because OOU students are active users of social media platforms. This is reflective of the digital
engagement trends among Nigerian youths who frequently use platforms like Facebook,
Instagram, and WhatsApp for communication, networking, and as tools for professional and
academic growth. Moreover, there is growing public and academic interest in understanding the
prevalence of cybercrime within Nigerian universities, and OOU provides an excellent case for
examining the phenomenon. OOU is situated in Ogun State, a region that has faced significant
challenges related to internet fraud, commonly referred to as “yahoo yahoo” in local
terminology. This localized context amplifies the relevance of the study, as it allows for an
exploration of how social media may influence students in regions particularly affected by
cybercrime.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Social Media: Social media refers to digital platforms and tools that enable users to create,
share, and interact with content and each other. Examples include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
TikTok, and LinkedIn. These platforms facilitate communication, networking, and content
sharing among users globally. In the context of this study, social media is the primary medium
through which interactions and cybercrimes occur.
Cybercrime: Cybercrime encompasses illegal activities conducted through or involving
computers and the internet. It includes various forms of criminal behavior such as hacking,
identity theft, online fraud, phishing, cyberbullying, and the distribution of malware. For this
study, cybercrime specifically pertains to criminal activities that are perpetrated using social
media platforms.

Perception: Perception refers to the way individuals interpret, understand, and make sense of
their experiences and the world around them. In this study, perception specifically relates to how
undergraduate students at Olabisi Onabanjo University view and understand the risks associated
with social media use and its role in facilitating cybercrime.

Undergraduate Students: Undergraduate students are individuals enrolled in a higher education

institution, pursuing a bachelor's degree. They are typically in their late teens to early twenties. In
this study, undergraduate students at Olabisi Onabanjo University are the primary focus group,
whose experiences with and perceptions of social media-related cybercrime are being examined.

Social Media Influence: Social media influence refers to the impact that social media platforms
and interactions have on individuals' behavior, attitudes, and decisions. In the context of this
study, social media influence involves how the use and dynamics of social media affect the
likelihood of encountering or participating in cybercrime.

Cybersecurity Awareness: Cybersecurity awareness is the understanding and knowledge of

practices, tools, and strategies used to protect oneself from cyber threats. It includes recognizing
potential risks, understanding protective measures, and knowing how to respond to cyber
incidents. This term is critical for the study as it relates to the level of knowledge and
preparedness of students against social media-related cybercrime.

Online Scams: Online scams are fraudulent schemes conducted over the internet that deceive
individuals into giving away personal information or money. Examples include phishing emails,
fake job offers, and investment frauds. For this study, online scams represent a common form of
cybercrime experienced by students on social media.
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