Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

The objective of this research is to examine the influence of Social Media Blogging among the undergraduate university students in Anambra state, Nigeria. The work was anchored on the Technological Determinism Theory (TDT), as well as relied on survey research approach. From the population of 89,255 university students in Anambra state, who constitute the Netizens population, a sample size of 362 university students were drawn for the study. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire. A total of 362 copies of the questionnaire were delivered to the respondents through hand delivery. Data collected were analysed using the descriptive analysis method. Results revealed that as benefiting as social media blogs have been, regrettably, it has also been used to commit all sort of atrocities and criminalities in the country thereby affecting the security of the country. These ranged from the making of uncomplimentary remarks and usage of gutter language, spread of false and fake news, defrauding of customers and even killing of gullible victims and propagation of ideology by terror groups. Based on these, the work proffered some measures which the researcher believed will address some of the challenges raised as a result of the abuse of social media by bloggers. These among others include, punishing of people who abuse social media, Countering of unhealthy and dangerous speech through mass condemnation and media engagement; Increase audience resistance to dangerous speech; Dissemination of positive messages through campaigns against hate and dangerous speech; Training of influential bloggers and users of social media thereby increasing the knowledge of bloggers on ethical principles and engagement of media regulatory agencies on Implementation Strategy on the use of media to avoid its abuse.

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