Awareness, Perception and Use of Instagram’s Anti-Bullying Restrict Feature among University Undergraduates in South-East Nigeria

Abstract

Blocking a social media platform account that is posting abusive content may simply drive the bully to create a new account after the first one is blocked. Therefore, blocking is not always the ideal way to prevent problematic comments and messages from being directed at an account. The Instagram’s anti bullying restrict feature is a solid alternative that enables users to instead limit an unwanted account in a way that doesn't alert the bully. This study investigated the awareness, perception and use of Instagram’s anti-bullying restrict feature among university undergraduates in south-east Nigeria. The study was anchored on the Protection Motivation Theory and the Uses and Gratifications Theory and likewise adopted the mixed methods approach involving Survey and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). A total of 500 respondents were chosen using the multi-stage approach while 18 respondents were purposively selected for three FGD sessions; six discussants per session. Findings showed that there was low awareness of Instagram’s anti-bullying restrict feature among university undergraduates in the South-East Nigeria. Similarly, it was found that there was generally poor use of Instagram’s anti-bullying feature among the undergraduates. The findings also revealed that awareness and previous experiences are major factors influencing the use of Instagram’s anti-bullying restrict feature. The study thererefore recommended that effort should be made to create awareness and provide information on the use of Instagram’s anti bullying restrict feature to young people where they can easily see or read them.

Keywords: Awareness, Perception, Use, Instagram, Cyberbullying, Restrict, Feature, Undergraduates

DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/100-03

Publication date: January 31^st 2022