The Role of Social Media Podcast in Enhancing Gender Based Violence among Undergraduate Students

Abstract In today’s digital era, social media platforms have become major spaces for information sharing, social interaction and cultural discourse, with podcasts emerging as influential tools that shape listeners’ attitudes and perceptions. This study investigates the role of social media podcasts in enhancing gender-based violence (GBV) among undergraduate students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The research examines how podcast content on platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook influences students’ understanding of gender relations and tolerance toward GBV. A survey research method with the online questionnaire as the instrument for data collection was adopted, with 395 as the sample size. Responses of the quantitative data from structured questionnaires ensured comprehensive analysis. The study employed both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to interpret the data, focusing on levels of awareness, perception and behavioural influence in relation to podcast exposure. Findings reveal that while many social-media podcasts foster awareness and advocacy against GBV, it may also inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes and normalize violence through biased framing or humor. The study concludes that podcast content significantly affects students’ gender perceptions and behaviours, validating theoretical frameworks such as Social Learning Theory, Cultivation Theory, and Spiral of Silence Theory. It recommends that podcast creators adopt ethical framing in gender discourse, while educators and policymakers integrate media and gender literacy programs into tertiary curricula to promote critical engagement with digital media and reduce GBV tolerance among undergraduates.