USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND ONLINE DATING SITES FOR DATING BY STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the use of social media and online dating platforms for dating by students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted. A multistage sampling technique was adopted to select 385 undergraduate students and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The students used both general social media platforms and specialised online dating sites, but the usage varied among platforms. The most reported benefits were ease of communication and dating convenience, while dishonesty on dating platforms and unrealistic expectations were the most significant challenges. Uses and Gratifications, Subjective Norms, Perceived Behavioural Control, Habit and Hedonic Motivation showed statistically significant relationships with the use of social media and online dating sites for dating. There is a need to implement structured digital relationship awareness programmes that promote responsible and cautious use of social media and online dating platforms.

Keywords:     Hedonic motivation, Online dating sites, Social media, Subjective norms, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Uses and gratification