When Values Change Values: Assessing how Social Media Changes Nigerian Youth Communication Patterns and Values

Abstract

The study examined how social networking sites with alien values changed Nigerian youth communication patterns (values). It adopted library research design. Secondary data were generated for the study. The study found that social media has a set of alien values which include the speech patterns, slang, gossips, rumours, nude pictures, sexual assault, sexually explicit materials, sexual violence,  social interactions, behaviour, dressings, and general worldview. Through using these social networking sites, individuals generate, manipulate and create contents for conversations among themselves. This communication and conversation move from person to person and group to group in a virtual setting devoid of any regulation, censorship or interference. This study is anchored on value change theory. This theory challenges the people to test their own values against those of others, which are presumed to be socially more acceptable.

Keywords: Value Change, Social Media, Nigerian Youth, Communication Patterns