Young people and perceived achievements on social media: the needfulness of social work services in Nigerian tertiary schools

Prince Agwu; Chidera Emesobum; Chinweoke Ugwu; Nneka Okafor; Chidera Ekeh; Perpetua Lum Tanyi

doi:10.1921/swssr.v23i1.2010

Authors

Prince Agwu Health Policy Research Group, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu, Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Dundee, SWSSR Board https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9224-7622
Chidera Emesobum Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1066-0091
Chinweoke Ugwu Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Nneka Okafor Department of Philosophy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4314-1255
Chidera Ekeh Biomedical Science, University of Chester
Perpetua Lum Tanyi Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v23i1.2010

Keywords:

Internet, self-valuation, social media, social work, tertiary education

Abstract

Material and non-material achievements are replete on social media, and they are perceived differently by people. We sought to provide evidence on how young undergraduates relate with these perceived achievements on social media, the prospects and problems associated with such perceptions, and the implications for psychosocial support services in higher institutions in Nigeria. Guided by phenomenology, 30 young undergraduates across two universities in Nigeria were interviewed. Elicited data were analysed in themes, and identity theory provided the conceptual framework. Despite the positives taken from the perceived achievements on social media, there were considerable negative influences, affecting the character and esteem of young people. The students expressed interest in seeking psychosocial services, which were unavailable. Our study buttresses the need to mainstream social work and other psychosocial services in Nigerian tertiary schools for the comprehensive development of students.

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