NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF INTERNET AND MOBILE PHONE MISUSE AND MITIGATIONS IN THE GLOBALIZATION ERA: THE NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE

Fidelis I. Onah

ABSTRACT

As mobile computing grows more pervasive, their use in information communication, research, entertainment and socialization becomes even more widespread and phenomenal. Though the benefits we have gained from internet and mobile technology advancements is glaring, the soaring incidences of abuse and misuse over the years is causing more chaos in an already disturbed world. The purpose of this study was to present a preliminary survey of the consequences of internet and mobile phone misuse on Nigerian adolescents and guidance on how the risks might be moderated. Social media and social networking are very unlikely to disappear any time soon. So, self-awareness is created here as a pre-requisite to solving these harmful aspects of their overuse. The study only serves as a reference guide to Information Technology professionals, entrepreneur, or the general audience.

Keywords: Internet Misuse, Mobile Phone Misuse, Mental Health, Addictive Internet Use, Social Media.