A Critical Review of the Impact of Social Media Exposure on Youth Behavior and Perception

Authors

Abstract

Social media has become deeply embedded in the lives of Nigerian youth, fundamentally shaping their behaviors, perceptions, and developmental trajectories. This comprehensive literature review synthesizes recent empirical evidence on the impact of social media exposure on youth behavior and perception, drawing on peer-reviewed Nigerian and international scholarship published. The review critically examines theoretical frameworks explaining the mechanisms through which social media influences youth outcomes, evaluates methodological approaches, and synthesizes findings across five key domains: mental health and well-being, political and civic perception, identity formation and cultural engagement, online risks and digital dangers, and protective strategies. The analysis reveals that Nigerian youth exhibit high levels of social media engagement, with over 95% of adolescents reporting active use and many spending over three hours daily. Exposure to harmful content, including sexually explicit material, fraudulent schemes, and aggressive interactions, is significantly associated with higher depression and anxiety scores. Politically, Nigerian youth demonstrate robust online advocacy but limited offline participation, with fear of violence and distrust in electoral processes serving as primary barriers. Indigenous identity influences digital content creation, though a disconnect persists between youth and their cultural heritage in digital spaces. This review identifies critical gaps in longitudinal research, the need for culturally grounded intervention strategies, and emerging evidence on digital citizenship education, providing actionable recommendations for policymakers, educators, and future researchers.

Keywords

Social media, youth, mental health, political participation, digital identity, cyberbullying, & body image

DOI

10.0000/wijamssae.v1i1.7

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