Browsing by Author "Joseph Dayo ODIGIE"

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    Social Media Usage and the Rising Cases of Divorce in Nigeria
    (LCU, 2025-04) Olusegun Abimbola ODUNLAMI; Joseph Dayo ODIGIE; Abimbola Adekemi OLUYEMI,; Adesola Olufunmi BELLO
    Social media has transformed communication and interpersonal relationships, yet its impact on marital stability remains a growing concern. In Nigeria, the increasing rate of divorce has been linked to various factors, including excessive social media usage, which has been reported to foster infidelity, emotional detachment, and conflict among married couples. This study investigates the influence of social media on the rising cases of divorce in Nigeria, focusing on the extent of social media usage, its contribution to marital conflicts, key factors influencing instability, and strategies to mitigate its negative effects. The study is anchored on the Social Exchange Theory and Uses and Gratifications Theory, which explain how individuals assess relational costs and benefits while using media to satisfy personal needs. A survey research design was employed, targeting married men and women aged 18-60 years in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 60respondents, thus ensuring diverse demographic representation. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that excessive social media use reduces quality time between spouses, fosters distrust, and contributes to infidelity, thereby increasing marital conflicts. The study concludes that social media plays a significant role in marital instability and recommends setting clear boundaries for online activities, promoting transparency, and integrating social media conflict management into marriage counselling sessions. Public awareness campaigns should also be conducted to educate couples on responsible digital engagement to enhance marital stability in Nigeria.