ACMJ Article

Abstract

This study investigates the portrayal of cybercrime on social media and its influence on undergraduate students in selected universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study adopted Framing Theory to explain how social media shape public perception through the selective presentation of information on cybercrime. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 397 undergraduates in Olabisi Onabanjo University and Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, through a structured questionnaire. The findings reveal that students frequently encounter cybercrime-related content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), often perceiving such content as both informative and sensationalised. These portrayals significantly impact their awareness of cybersecurity, influence their perceptions of cybercrime, and may contribute to its glamourisation. Key factors motivating engagement with such content include curiosity, entertainment, peer influence, and the anonymity provided by social media. To counter the glamourisation of cybercrime, the study proposed strategies such as stricter content regulation, integration of cyber ethics into academic curricula, awareness campaigns, and responsible influencer behaviour. The study concludes that while social media can serve as a tool for awareness, it also poses risks by subtly normalising cybercrime. A collaborative approach involving educational institutions, policymakers, media platforms, and youth communities is essential for fostering responsible digital citizenship and mitigating the appeal of cybercrime among undergraduates.

INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA FRAMING OF CYBERCRIME ON UNDERGRADUATES IN SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA, 2026, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 93-103. PDF