Influence of Facebook and twitter in raising awareness for achieving fitness/diet consciousness among youths in Imo State

Abstract

Every individual has the right to live a healthy and fulfilling life. This study investigated the Influence of Social Media in Raising Awareness for Achieving Fitness/diet consciousness among Youths in Imo State using a survey research design. Anchored on Agenda Setting Theory, the objectives of the study among others were to assess the extent of exposure and awareness among youths in Imo State regarding fitness and diet consciousness information available on Facebook and Twitter, and to examine their influence on the fitness and diet consciousness behaviours and practices of youths in Imo State. With the aid of Wimmer & Dominick online calculator, a sample of 384 was drawn from a population of 1,867,838 residents of Imo State. The sampling technique employed in this study was the multi-stage sampling technique. The researchers found out among others that majority of the respondents were exposed to and aware of fitness and diet consciousness information on Facebook and Twitter (44.5%), which suggest that social media is an integral part of their lives. Also 31.3% actively seek out this information from these platforms; an overwhelming majority of 85.4% interestingly participate in health trends and challenges which show willingness to engage with initiatives aimed at improving fitness/diet consciousness. The researchers therefore recommend among others that, there is need to maintain the integrity and dependability of fitness and diet consciousness information posted on social media given the study respondents' emphasis on authoritative sources.