An International Journal of Mass Communication
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
Anambra State
An International Journal of Mass Communication
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
Anambra State
| Title: | A Perceptual Survey of Students’ Use of Social Media on Awareness of Drug Abuse in The Federal University of Technology, Minna |
| Author(s): | Abdulhameed Kayode Agboola |
| Abstract: | This study examines the perceptions of social media use on awareness of drugs abuse amongst the undergraduate students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. The population was 21,687. Copies of survey questionnaire were given to 377 student respondents to collect data for the study. Overall findings revealed that the majority respondents used Facebook, the majority 154(39.5%) used the internet 164(43.5%) for 8-10hours per week. As for the level of social media positive influence, 179 of the respondents believed that the undergraduate students’ exposure to social media has effect on their drug usage. On the effectiveness of social media in creating awareness, 175 of the respondents believed that social media is effective in creating awareness on drugs usage among the students. As for the impacts of social media on the creation of drugs use awareness, 166 of the respondents believe that the students perceived the impact of social media on drugs use. On the various ways of improving perception of social media use on awareness of drugs, the respondents 148 believed that creating awareness in the school helps in eradicating the issue. The study concludes that drug use constitutes one of the major social problems in Nigeria because of the hazardous effect on the health of people and also psychologically, physically, socially, and most especially, students’ performance in schools. The problem appears to be endemic in Nigerian society to the extent that government, scholars, professionals, social workers, academicians, psychologists, sociologist have been trying to find solutions to the problem. Finally, the study recommended that there is need for development of suitable awareness program for undergraduate students in order to reduce the risk of drug use among these individuals. |
| Keywords: | Perceptions, Drug Abuse, Awareness, Social Media, Facebook, Positive Influence. |