Social Media Usage and the Rising Cases of Divorce in Nigeria

Authors

  • Olusegun Abimbola ODUNLAMI, PhD Department of Mass Communication, Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State
  • Joseph Dayo ODIGIE PhD Department of Mass Communication, Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State.
  • Abimbola Adekemi OLUYEMI, PhD Department of Mass Communication, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
  • Adesola Olufunmi BELLO, PhD Department of Mass Communication, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

Keywords:

Social media, marital instability, divorce, marital conflict, relationship satisfaction

Abstract

Social media has transformed communication and interpersonal
relationships, yet its impact on marital stability remains a growing
concern. In Nigeria, the increasing rate of divorce has been linked to
various factors, including excessive social media usage, which has
been reported to foster infidelity, emotional detachment, and conflict
among married couples. This study investigates the influence of social
media on the rising cases of divorce in Nigeria, focusing on the extent
of social media usage, its contribution to marital conflicts, key factors
influencing instability, and strategies to mitigate its negative effects.
The study is anchored on the Social Exchange Theory and Uses and
Gratifications Theory, which explain how individuals assess relational
costs and benefits while using media to satisfy personal needs. A survey
research design was employed, targeting married men and women
aged 18-60 years in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo
State. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 60 

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Published

2025-04-16

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1&2 (2025): Journal of Communication and Media Technology

Section

Table of Content