SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE AND DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUTHS IN PORT HARCOURT

Abstract

This study examined the impact of social media usage on drug abuse among youth in Port Harcourt. The research was grounded in four theoretical frameworks: Uses and Gratification Theory, Technological Determinism Theory, Perception Theory (Selective Exposure), and Symbolic Interaction Theory. The study employed a survey research design, targeting a population of 1,132,160 youth in Port Harcourt, with a sample size of 400 respondents selected through convenience sampling. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, and the analysis was conducted using frequency counts, simple percentages, and weighted means. The results indicated that the most commonly abused substances among youth in Port Harcourt include cocaine, heroin/codeine, tramadol, marijuana, and alcohol. The study identified Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok as the social media platforms that contribute to promoting drug abuse among the youth. Additionally, findings revealed a high level of social media-driven awareness campaigns against drug abuse in Port Harcourt. The primary sources of anti-drug abuse messages on social media were found to be government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In conclusion, the study found that social media has a significant effect on drug abuse among youth in Port Harcourt. It recommended that social media platforms should provide and promote accessible information on the dangers of drug abuse and educate youth on the appropriate use of substances prone to misuse.