MEDIATED REALITIES AND INTERNET FRAUD AMONG JUVENILES IN NIGERIA

In the digital age, technological advancements have reshaped human interaction and behavior, leading to the emergence of mediated realities. These altered perceptions, shaped by social media, online gaming, and other digital platforms, influence the thoughts, actions, and social behaviors of individuals, particularly juveniles. While these mediated environments offer significant opportunities for learning and connection, they also pose risks, including increased involvement in internet fraud. Internet fraud commonly referred to as “yahoo-yahoo” in Nigeria, is a growing concern, particularly among Nigerian youth, who are lured by socioeconomic pressures, peer influences, and the allure of quick wealth. This study explores the role of mediated realities in shaping juvenile engagement in internet fraud within Nigeria, focusing on how digital platforms foster motivations for fraudulent behaviors. The research investigates the socio-cultural and economic factors that interact with mediated environments to exacerbate this issue. The paper adopted the documentary research approach. By examining the influence of mediated realities on juvenile behavior, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of how digital exposure facilitates internet fraud and offers recommendations for mitigating its impact. The findings suggest that digital literacy education, stricter regulation of online platforms, and a collaborative approach involving families, communities, and law enforcement agencies are essential for addressing the rising incidence of juvenile internet fraud in Nigeria.