INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL CONTENT CONSUMPTION ON SELF-PERCEPTION AND SELF-ESTEEM OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the influence of digital content consumption on self-perception and self-esteem among undergraduate students at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining a structured questionnaire administered to 386 students with qualitative interviews conducted with 20 participants. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multivariate analysis were used to analyse the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used for the interview responses. The findings revealed that most students spend four or more hours daily consuming digital content, primarily entertainment and educational materials. Statistical analysis shows that digital content consumption significantly influences self-perception and self-esteem. Qualitative findings indicated that students actively interpret and regulate digital media exposure, moderating its psychological effects. The study concluded that digital content consumption plays a notable role in shaping the self-perception and self-esteem of the students, and recommended digital literacy initiatives to promote healthier engagement with online media.

Keyword(s): Digital content consumption; Self-perception; Self-esteem; Undergraduate students