Abstract

This study was designed to find out the role of social media on adolescent behavior in the Buea Municipality. To achieve these aims 80 copies of questionnaires were distributed to respondents from two Government schools in the Buea municipality. The descriptive design was used and to ensure face validity, the instrument was presented to the supervisor for necessary corrections.

Data were analyzed descriptively and results revealed that: The use of the internet has a positive effect on adolescent behaviour. Television has a positive effect on adolescent behaviour. The use of phones has a negative effect on adolescent behavior. From these results, recommendations were addressed to the Educational Authorities, teachers, parents, Government, Students, and Channel owners. From this suggestion were made.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the study

Media has become one of the most pervasive forces in the world today. Whether inside our home, on the road, in the mall an office, or in class we are constantly attacked with messages and images through different media. From television (TV) to radio internet, from billboards to iPods to DVDs in cars.

Adolescents spend most of their time viewing and interacting with media in the form of television programs, films, movies video games, music, internets, and phone (Viber, messages, Imo, and many others). Therefore, adolescents spend many hours per day using media, (Ito, et al, 2008). According to them, nearly half of their time is spent watching television.

At adolescence, young people experience a vast amount of changes in their physical, emotional and social maturity.  Outside influence are particularly capable of affecting teenager’s thoughts and behavior. One influence that has proven to have a considerable effect on teenagers is the media. The most popular and frequent media used by adolescence is the internet with its regular devices such as Facebook, yahoo, Brower, and Microsoft. Several of these websites have minimal restrictions and contain information requiring drugs, alcohol, sex violence, and aggression (Kaiser, 2003).

Television is also another type of media that has become increasingly popular, as adolescent programming is now more common (Kaiser, 2002). Unfortunately, alcoholic beverages are frequently advertised during youth-oriented programming. In fact young people see more commercials for alcohol than for clothes or any other product (Center on Alcohol Marking and Youth [CAMY], 2005). Also, several programs portray forms of violent behavior as glamorous and powerful with little or no consequence (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS], 2001).

Movies are also media are highly admired by adolescents, especially those that contain scenes where characters are violent. This material can initiate aggressive behavior (i.e. robbery, assault, rape, or homicide) and thoughts in adolescents, especially right after they witness the violent act portrayed on film (HHS, 2001).  These movies can as well provide adolescents technical emotional actions and feelings.

Magazines are Media are also viewed by adolescents. However, many magazines, especially those geared towards adolescents, often contain pictures of models with unhealthy body weights (Media Scope, 2000). Schools have increasingly become the place where adolescents interact with adults (Hellman, 1998).

Teachers, administration, and school staffs need to be aware of current media trends and how they affect adolescents. Teachers and school social workers can request material to conduct classroom activities regarding media messages (Be resin, 1999). Thus, it is from this background that, this study investigates media influence on adolescent behavior of students” is imminent.

Statement to the problem

The majority of adolescents today have become attached and connected to their electronic gadgets such as their phones, internet, exploring some networking sites like YouTube, tubes, what Sapp, Vibers, Imo and facebook. These adolescents manipulate their phones during the learning process which can reduce their attention in class and even exposing them to behaviours that are detrimental or have a negative effect on their futures. It is not yet known if this addiction to these various forms of media (internet, television, and phones) affects the behavior of these students. Such a study is necessary to ensure that such behaviors are not detrimental to the future of the student.

Objectives of the study

General Objectives

The aim or purpose of this study is to investigate the role of social media on adolescent behavior in the Buea municipality.

Specific Objectives

1. To find out the effect that the use of television has on adolescent behavior.
2. To find out the effects that the use of the internet has on adolescent behavior.
3. To find out the effects that the use of the telephone has on adolescent behavior