Influence of New Media on Sexual Orientation of Youths in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: The advent of new media has revolutionised the way people access and share information, particularly among youths. In Nigeria, the increasing penetration of new media has raised concerns about its impact on the sexual orientation of youths. Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, with its high youth population and widespread use of new media, provides a unique context for exploring this phenomenon. Objective: The study investigated influence of new media on the sexual orientation of youths in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, examining the role of social media, online pornography, and other digital platforms in shaping their perceptions and attitudes towards sexuality. Method: The study adopted qualitative research method and used in-depth interview to generate data. The population of the study was residents of Obio-Akpor who according to the National Bureau of Statistics, was put at 665,000 in 2023. The snowball sampling technique was used to select four participants both online and offline: two male and female. Participants were selected based on their willingness to respond to the interview questions. Interview guide was used in the collection of data from interviewees. The recorded interviews were transcribed. The reviewed transcripts were analysed using thematic development and condensation of meaning stages. Result: Findings show that access to new media through smartphones, tablets and computers have increased queer practices and heightened distractions which have exposed a large number of our young ones to wrong practices. New media aid youths in sending erotic messages, watching pornographic films, and also increases risky sexual behaviour such as masturbation, sexting and LGBTQ+IA practices. Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that new media technologies have significant on the sexual orientation of youths of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Unique contribution: This study contributes to the growing body of literature on the impact of new media on youth sexuality, providing insights into the complex and nuanced ways in which digital technologies are reconfiguring traditional notions of sex, gender, and identity among Nigerian youths. Key recommendation: The study recommends that religious bodies, government, teachers and parents should undertake measures to control adverse effects of new media consumption by the youths. Youth counsellors should provide information specifically on the dangers inherent in the negative uses of new media and analyse the safe, respectful use of technology and possible benefits. Youths should be encouraged to lessen their access to new media and give careful consideration to their studies for more meaningful life.