Assessing the Impact of Media Exposure and Subjective Norms on Cybercrime-Related Internet Behaviour among Nigerian Undergraduates

Abdulazeez Oluwashogo Akinroye and Abdulmalik Adetola Lawal
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Abdulazeez Oluwashogo Akinroye: Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, Kwara State University, Malete, Ilorin, Nigeria
Abdulmalik Adetola Lawal: University of Nevada Reno, United States of America (USA)

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 7, 2489-2515

Abstract: This study investigates the perception of undergraduates in Nigeria regarding cybercrime and examines the influence of media and subjective norms on their involvement in internet fraud. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected from a sample of 410 students (N = 410) using a structured questionnaire with Likert-scale items. Respondents were selected through stratified sampling to ensure representation across academic levels and faculties. Findings revealed a significant correlation between media portrayals of cybercrime, peer influence, and students’ engagement in internet fraud. Notably, sensational media content and permissive peer norms were strong predictors of favorable attitudes toward cybercrime. The study recommends targeted media literacy interventions aimed at equipping students with critical evaluation skills to resist misleading narratives and peer pressure related to online fraud. Future research is encouraged to assess the long-term impact of such interventions and explore demographic variations in susceptibility to media and normative influences.

Date: 2025
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