Social Media's Role in Shaping Workplace Culture and Community Responses to Domestic Violence in Edo State, Nigeria

This paper investigates the intersection of social media engagement and workplace culture in influencing institutional and community responses to domestic violence in Edo State, Nigeria, with Benson Idahosa University (BIU) as a case study. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner's Social Ecological Theory, the study explores how digital narratives affect perceptions at various ecological levels, from individual awareness to organizational policy changes. Acknowledging the significant role of platforms such as Opera News and Phoenix, the research employed a survey design that targeted 200 randomly selected staff members from BIU’s population of 629 employees. A structured questionnaire, validated through expert reviews and a test-retest protocol, was utilized to capture data on demographic profiles and media-driven awareness of domestic violence. The findings indicate that 100% of respondents recognize social media's role in raising awareness about domestic violence, with 79.7% reporting that news exposure has heightened their consciousness and 76% affirming that media shapes public perception. Moreover, 86.7% expressed a positive view of domestic violence programs, while 53% linked digital narratives to actions in the real world. The findings further indicate that 79.7% of respondents feel that news platforms have notably enhanced awareness of domestic violence in the workplace, while 53% recognized the impact of social media on proactive engagement. These findings emphasize the importance of Edo State policymakers institutionalizing media-integrated workplace sensitization, mandating digital response frameworks, and formalizing community-centered reporting protocols. Analysis using simple percentages supports the proposition that social media content significantly influences workplace discussions and interventions regarding domestic violence within academic institutions. In conclusion, social media in Edo State is driving digital activism, reshaping workplace values and community responses to domestic violence awareness. Therefore, social media should be integrated into Edo State's workplaces and communities to enhance awareness, promote behavior change, and coordinate responses to domestic violence.