PATTERNS OF SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE AMONG YOUTH IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS

The study “Patterns of Social Media Use by Youth in Makurdi Metropolis” sought to investigate the patterns of social media usage among youth in Makurdi metropolis. The Uses and Gratification Theory was harnessed to support the study. The work adopted the survey research method in data gathering and used simple tables percentages in presentation and analysis of data gathered. The researcher discovered based on concrete findings that Facebook is the most used social media platform by Makurdi youth and their favourite features are messaging and user interaction. It was also found that Makurdi youth are regular and frequent users of social media Makurdi youths use social media basically for sports, entertainment and to communicate with others. Lastly, findings further revealed the positive impact of social media on Makurdi youth is interactivity and entertainment, the negative impact is addiction and time wastage and promoting digital literacy is the best strategy to minimize the negative impact. The study amongst others recommended that Government and institutions of learning should implement comprehensive educational programs aimed at enhancing digital literacy among youth.