SOCIAL MEDIA, CELEBRITY SINGLE PARENTHOOD AND THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN UMUAHIA, ABIA STATE NIGERIA

This study examined the emerging trend of celebrity single parenthood and its effects on the young people in Umuahia using the social media platform. The study adopted the survey research method in order to collect relevant data, while it was also anchored on two theoretical frameworks namely the modeling theory of communication and media ecology theory. The study drew a sample size of two hundred and fifty (250) respondents from Umuahia metropolis in Abia state and surveyed young people between the ages of 15 and 27. The instruments used for gathering the data were questionnaire and interviews. Findings from the study showed that the phenomenon of celebrity single parenthood has been on the increase in Nigeria, and are constantly portrayed and showcased on the social media. On the other hand, the young people are impressionable and therefore assimilate and emulate the lifestyles projected on the social media by their favorite celebrities including single parenting. The researchers recommend that there should be a concerted effort by parents, guardians and the religious bodies to counsel the youths on sexual and productive health issues as well as emulating the ethics, norms and values of the Nigerian cum African culture.