INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE PROMOTION OF CYBERCRIME AND MONEY RITUALS

ABSTRACT

This research delves into the impact of social media on the proliferation of cybercrime and money rituals among the youth in Oredo, Benin City. The study’s objectives encompass evaluating the degree of social media’s sway over young individuals, probing how social media contributes to their involvement in money rituals, and gauging its role in enticing them into cybercrime. The research methodology employed the questionnaire as the principal data collection tool, administered to a sample size of 400 youth drawn from a population of 218,767 during the study period. The questionnaire sought the youth perspectives on cybercrime, money rituals, and social media, gauged their comprehension of associated risks, and measured their endorsement or opposition to these activities. The findings underscore that a significant portion of youth devote substantial daily hours to social media, which substantially influences their behaviors. Despite being aware of the perils linked to cybercrime, many youths still engage in such activities, often viewing it as a reclamation of what was taken by colonizers. While opinions on money rituals vary, a noteworthy proportion of youth appear to be unperturbed by the practice. Overall, social media acts as a catalyst, luring young individuals into the realms of cybercrime and money rituals. While offering opportunities, it has also inadvertently paved the way for indolent and uneducated youth to exploit financial gains. This study underscores the urgency of enlightening youth about the detrimental consequences of excessive social media use and involvement in cybercrime and money rituals. It emphasizes the necessity of education and the cultivation of a strong work ethic as effective countermeasures.