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Perception Of Cybercrime Among Nigerian Youths

(A Case Study Of Caritas University)

5 Chapters
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47 Pages
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5,921 Words

The perception of cybercrime among Nigerian youths is a complex and nuanced subject that encompasses a spectrum of attitudes, motivations, and societal influences. In the context of Nigeria, where rapid technological advancements intersect with socio-economic challenges, the landscape of cybercrime perception is multifaceted. Some youths view cybercrime as a means of economic empowerment in the face of limited opportunities, driven by the desire for financial gains. However, others perceive it with disdain, recognizing the legal and ethical implications associated with such activities. The prevalence of cybercrime in Nigeria has sparked debates within communities, educational institutions, and law enforcement agencies, shaping the way young individuals perceive and engage with digital criminal activities. Addressing the root causes, enhancing digital literacy, and fostering legitimate avenues for economic growth are crucial in reshaping the narrative surrounding cybercrime among Nigerian youths.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to examine the perception of cybercrime among Nigerian youths using Caritas University as a study. In this research study, we found out people’s reaction to messages depends mainly on how it is perceived. To achieve the aim o the study, literature was reviewed. Survey research method was used in which questionnaire, the major instrument, was distributed to various respondents in the execution of the study. Samples were selected using the systematic random sampling techniques. Chi-square and simple percentages was used in analyzing data. Internet is used as a channel for the perpetration of criminal spamming activities was the finding drawn. Finally, Cyber laws should be made to govern the country’s cyber space and give the nation’s adequate cyber security was the recommendation gotten based on the finding drawn.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Table of contents
Abstract

CHAPTER ONE:
1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Statement of research problems
1.3 Purpose of study
1.4 Objectives of the study
1.5 Research questions
1.6 Research hypotheses
1.7 Significance of the study
1.8 Scope and limitation of the study
1.9 Assumptions of the study
1.10 Definition of terms

CHAPTER TWO:
2.0 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

2.1 Sources of literature
2.2 Review of relevant literature
2.3 Theoretical framework
2.4 Summary of literature

CHAPTER THREE:
3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design
3.2 Area of study
3.3 Population of study
3.4 Research sampling techniques and sample size
3.5 Instrument for data collection
3.6 Validity of the instrument
3.7 Method of data collection
3.8 Method of data analysis

CHAPTER FOUR:
4.0 DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

4.1 Data presentation and analysis
4.2 Hypotheses testing
4.3 Discussion on findings

CHAPTER FIVE:
5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY

5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations for further study
References
Appendix I
Appendix II

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Crime remains pervasive and forever strives to hide itself in the face of development. As measures and techniques for detecting crimes and criminals advance, criminals also look for means of hiding from these measures.
Obano (2007:17) asserts that the internet currently serve as a hiding place for fraudsters who have simply migrated from the streets to an electronic platform.
Okonigini (2002:25) defines computer crime as criminal activities, involving information technology infrastructure, including illegal access of computer data from or within a computer.
Similarly, Asokhia (2003:49) asserts that cyber crime, popularly called “YAHOO” is an off-shoot of advance fee fraud which became popular in the early 90s. Today, it has produced “YAHOO” as its first offspring with mostly young people (most especially the unemployed) as its practitioners.
Different nations have adopted different strategies to contend with crimes depending on their nature and extent. Certainly, a nation with high incidence of crime cannot grow or develop. For Nigeria, a nation in the process of saving her face regarding cyber crimes, efforts are now being directed at the sources and channels through which cyber crimes are being perpetuated the most. [Chiemeke (2008:32)].
Martins (2008:47) assert that “YAHOOISM” is an act of cyber crime that defrauds unsuspecting victims in foreign countries of their hard-earned money. In some instance, the unsuspecting victim is used to defraud banks, postal agencies, shops, etc. the yahoos (perpetrator) sends fake cheque or postal money orders to victims in any of the following countries: Canada, United States of America and other European countries or Asia as the case may be.
He further notes that when the cheques or money order are cashed, the victim is told to send the money through Western Union Money transfer in Nigeria, while in other cases, the victim is told to send the money to another country where the yahooist has built networks over time.
The mode of money collection is usually dependent on the modus operandi the yahooist uses. In similar vein, Alemika (2007:15) notes that in Nigeria today, cyber crime has found its root in the society. Like a cankerworm it has eaten deeply in the society and finally been accepted by the same society.
It is difficult to deny youth support of the menace with yahooze shirts, yahooze dance steps, yahooze songs from the likes of Olu Maintain. Even some young people identify themselves as yahoo boys and girls.
Similarly, Martins (2008:43) notes that the paramount classification of yahooism as a branch of cyber crime and transitional crime is not only expedient in understanding its mystery, but propounding a lasting solution when considering curbing the menace. Yahooism is the fastest growing transnational crime in recent times, especially in Nigeria.

1.2 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
Nigeria according to Wikipedia is said to be 7th largest oil producing country in the world, but nevertheless, the majority of Nigerians are still living in poverty.
Nigeria is also rated amongst one of the most corrupt countries of the world.
Internet usage in Nigeria has grown rapidly resulting in the explosion of Internet Service Providers (ISPS) and Internet Access Point creating an increase in the positive impacts on the socio-economic and educational developments in the country.
Unfortunately, the country’s image has also suffered as a result of the unscripted activities of some Nigerians using the internet as a channel for the perpetration of criminal spamming activities.
The major implication of the unconscious acceptance of this menace in the Nigerian society in the nearest future has created a high level of disinterest in education and touting among young people.
In Nigeria today, young people mostly youths are the ones who engage in this form of anti-social behaviour for the purpose of living a life of splendour.
In recent times Nigeria has been labelled as a corrupt nation. There is a need for the Nigerian government to do something fast and urgent to curb this menace of cyber crime.

1.3 PURPOSE OF STUDY
1. To determine the perception of Nigerian youths towards cybercrime.
2. To determine the reason why cybercrime is mostly rampant among Nigerian youths.
3. To suggest measures that can be taken by the federal government to curb cybercrime in Nigeria.

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1. To find out how Nigerian youths perceive cybercrime.
2. To assess the ways federal government can curb the continued spread of cybercrime among Nigerian youths and the general public.
3. To ascertain the factors that tends to cause young people’s involvement in cybercrime in Nigeria.
4. To find out if the internet is used as a channel for the perpetration of criminal spamming activities.

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. In what way do Nigerian youths perceive cybercrime?
2. What are the ways Federal Government can curb the continued spread of cybercrime among Nigerian youth and the general public?
3. Is the internet used as a channel for the perpetration of criminal spamming activities?
4. What are the factors that tend to cause people’s involvement in cybercrime in Nigeria?

1.6 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES
H0: internet is not used as a channel for the perpetration of criminal spamming activities.
H1: internet is used as a channel for the perpetration of criminal spamming activities.
H0: the Federal Government cannot curb the continued spread of cybercrime among Nigerian youths and the general public.
H2: the Federal Government can curb the continued spread of cybercrime among Nigerian youths and the general public.

1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study, which is primarily aimed at explaining how cybercrime has impacted on the perception of youths in the society, will provide an insight into the problems associated with cybercrime.
This report would be of great benefit for youths, to expose them to the factors that tend to cause young people’s involvement in cybercrime in Nigeria.
It would be useful to the government and related stakeholders to enable them adequately understand factors responsible for and how to curb the continue spread of cybercrime among Nigerian youths [and the general public].
The findings will be useful for researchers to further generate knowledge in the field.

1.8 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
This study focused on the perception of cybercrime among Nigerian youths, using students in Caritas University as the study group.
A major limitation of the group is the samples were only from Caritas University where it was chosen as the area in carrying out this research.
This finding is based on the results gathered from Caritas University students on the perception of cybercrime among Nigerian youths.

1.9 ASSUMPTIONS OF THE STUDY
For the purpose of this study, the following assumptions were made:
1. It is assumed that Nigeria youths are aware of cybercrime.
2. That poverty is the major reason why youths engage in cybercrime in Nigeria.
3. That peer pressure contributes to the increase of cybercrime in Nigeria.
4. That Nigerian youth are educated on the use of the cyber all the time.

1.10 DEFINITION OF TERMS
OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS
Perception: Caritas student’s attitude towards cybercrime among Nigerian youths.
Cyber: The use of computers, information systems or the internet by the Nigerian youths.
Crime: The display of illegal act characterized by decent, contentment or violation of trust of the youths.
Youth: It is when a young person is young especially the time before a child becomes an adult.

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Perception Of Cybercrime Among Youths:

The perception of cybercrime among youths can vary widely depending on factors such as their age, education, exposure to technology, and personal experiences. Here are some common perceptions and attitudes that youths may have toward cybercrime:

  1. Awareness: Many young people are aware of the existence of cybercrime. They have heard about cyberattacks, data breaches, hacking, and online scams through the media, school, or personal experiences.
  2. Risk Perception: The perception of risk associated with cybercrime can vary. Some youths may underestimate the risks and believe that they are unlikely to become victims, while others may be more cautious and aware of the potential dangers online.
  3. Technological Competence: Young people often have a high level of technological competence and may feel more confident navigating the digital world. This can lead to a perception that they are less susceptible to cybercrimes than older generations.
  4. Online Privacy Concerns: Many youths are concerned about their online privacy, especially in the context of social media and data collection by tech companies. They may perceive cybercrime as a threat to their personal information and privacy.
  5. Victim Blaming: In some cases, youths may engage in victim-blaming, believing that those who fall victim to cybercrimes should have been more careful or responsible online.
  6. Criminal Behavior: While most youths are not involved in cybercrime, some may perceive it as an opportunity for financial gain or rebellion. Factors such as peer pressure, lack of awareness about legal consequences, and financial struggles can contribute to this perception.
  7. Law Enforcement and Reporting: Youths may have mixed perceptions of law enforcement’s ability to combat cybercrime. Some may have confidence in authorities, while others may believe that reporting cybercrimes is futile or that law enforcement lacks the expertise to address online offenses effectively.
  8. Preventive Measures: Many youths are proactive in taking preventive measures against cybercrime. They may use antivirus software, strong passwords, and encryption tools to protect their online activities.
  9. Education and Awareness: Youths who have received education and awareness programs about cybercrime are more likely to have an accurate perception of its risks and consequences. Schools and organizations that promote digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness can positively influence their perception.
  10. Ethical Considerations: Some youths are concerned about the ethics of cybercrime and its impact on individuals and society. They may see hacking, online harassment, and identity theft as morally wrong actions.

It’s essential to recognize that perceptions of cybercrime among youths are diverse and can evolve over time. To address and mitigate cybercrime, it is crucial to provide education and resources that help youths make informed decisions online, promote responsible digital citizenship, and raise awareness about the potential consequences of engaging in or falling victim to cybercrimes. Additionally, fostering an open dialogue between youths, educators, and law enforcement can help shape more accurate perceptions and responses to cybercrime.