Influence of social media on risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students: A case of Egerton and Kabarak main campuses in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of social media on risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students of Egerton and Kabarak main campuses in Nakuru County, Kenya. Social media contributes to risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students. Risky sexual behaviours have become a predicament all over the world, affecting youth and may lead to sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies. The study adopted a correlational research design. The target population was 18570 undergraduate students. The accessible population was 8456, whose sample was 367. A simple random sampling approach was employed, and the research included a sample of 10 peer counsellors and 2 student counsellors from Egerton, and Kabarak main campuses selected through purposive sampling. Data were obtained using an interview schedule, a questionnaire and a focus group discussion. The research tools were validated through peer and expert review and pilot testing. Quantitative data were evaluated using SPSS Version 25 with both descriptive and inferential statistics, whereas the qualitative data was evaluated thematically. The analysed data was presented in narratives, graphs, and tables. The findings show that the majority of students perceive that it’s not okay to watch pornography or send or receive sex messages to or from friends on social media. They perceive that it's not their hobby to enjoy cybersex and do not perceive that online dating is the best way to get a sexual partner. It was recommended that the government should enhance censorship of the kind of information being sent or received through social media platforms.