Awareness of cyberstalking law among Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) users in Owerri Metropolis, Imo State

Abstract

The major concern that has been raised as a result of the high frequency of social media usage is cyberstalking. In recent times, Facebook and X are flooded with hate speeches, thoughtless comments and unauthorized sharing of personal images and leaving the victims emotionally and mentally drained. cyberstalking has become an alarming and persistent issue on social media, affecting users from all walks of life. While a lot of persons engage in this behaviour, few understand the consequences it carries. This study examined Facebook and X users' level of awareness, extent of knowledge of cyberstalking law in Nigeria and the extent to which their knowledge of cyberstalking law affects their usage of Facebook and X. The Survey research design was used in the study. The sampling procedures used in this study were Purposive and Simple Random sampling. A sample size of 384 was drawn using the Cochran sample determining method. Google form was used as instrument for data collection. SPSS was used to analyze the data. The research questions were answered using the mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that the respondents were moderately aware of the cyberstalking law in Nigeria; respondents to a moderate extent, have knowledge of the cyberstalking law in Nigeria and that the respondents' knowledge of cyberstalking law in Nigeria have to a large extent influenced their usage of Facebook and X. The study majorly recommended that targeted awareness programs or campaigns on the issue of cyberstalking and the existence of cyberstalking laws in Nigeria should be created.