Social Media use and Sexual Behaviour of Undergraduate Students in a Nigerian University

Abstract While studies have generally explored the implication of social media on education, crime, and communication, there is a paucity of studies exploring the influence of social media on sexual behaviour. Thus, this study aims to investigate the role of social media on sexual behaviour among 195 undergraduate students in the Niger Delta University, Bayelsa, Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was anchored on the uses and gratification theory (UGT). Data for this study were generated through the use of a structured questionnaire, while data analysis was done at the univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. Findings shows that the average age of students was 22.72. Also, the study found out that the use of WhatsApp (OR = 15.349, p<0.05), Instagram (OR = 0.254, p<0.05), time spent on the social media (OR = 0.123, p<0.05) were significantly associated with high-risk sexual behaviour in model I. While relationship status (OR = 24.289, p<0.01) was associated with high-risk sexual behaviour in model II. The study, therefore, concluded that the use of social media influences the sexual behaviour of undergraduate. Hence, the study recommended sex education to help expose undergraduate students to the dangers involved in spending excessive time on social media.