| Abstract: |
Cybercrime has emerged as a major social and economic problem growing among
youths in Nigeria, especially in Ebonyi state, where the increasing use of digital
media platforms have exposed many young people to fraudulent online activities.
This study examined the influence of digital media and strategic communication in
reducing cybercrime among youths in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The main objectives
were to: examine the extent to which youths in Ebonyi State use digital media for
information. determine the level of knowledge on digital media and ascertain the
level of influence of digital-media-centered strategic communication on cybercrime
among youths in Ebonyi State. The study anchored on Social Learning Theory, the
study adopted descriptive survey research. Data were collected from 384 youths
selected across 13 LGAs using structured questionnaire. Findings revealed that
youth is widely use digital media for information and possess considerable
awareness of digital-media based anti-cybercrime campaigns. The study further
found that strategic communication through digital media positively influence
cybercrime reduction among youths. However, poor Internet access, low digital
literacy, and inadequate funding limited effective cybercrime communication
campaigns. The study concludes that digital media remains an essential tool for
cybercrime reduction and recommended intensified awareness campaigns to strengthened and improve youths' knowledge of cybercrime and it dangers,
government and stakeholders should address challenges of poor Internet access, low
digital literacy and inadequate funding to improve digital media campaign on
cybercrime prevention. |
