YOUTHS AND YAHOO TRENDS, IMPLICATION EFFECTS AND SOLUTIONS
Keywords:
Youths, Yahoo Trends, Implication Effects and SolutionAbstract
The rising incidence of internet fraud, sometimes termed "Yahoo," has become a substantial socio-economic, ethical, and spiritual dilemma among Nigerian young. This study investigates the participation of Anglican youths in Yahoo activities, emphasising the socio-economic, cultural, and peer-related elements that influence engagement, the ethical and developmental consequences, and possible remedies. The study utilised a qualitative exploratory phenomenological approach to collect data from 20 purposefully selected participants, comprising juveniles engaged in cyber fraud, community members, and moral or religious mentors, via in-depth semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed to discern repeating patterns and analyse the data via the lenses of Social Learning Theory and Rational Choice Theory. Research indicates that socio-economic factors, including unemployment, poverty, and restricted educational prospects, alongside peer influence, social media exposure, and skewed cultural perceptions of riches, significantly drive teenage participation in Yahoo activities. The research indicates that participation in cyber fraud adversely impacts moral integrity, spiritual development, and socio-economic advancement, while eroding familial and communal values. Moreover, the Anglican Church and society at large encounter difficulties in confronting these habits due to weak preventive strategies, insufficient ethical direction, and societal acceptance of illegal wealth. The report advocates for a holistic strategy that incorporates economic empowerment, moral and spiritual education, digital literacy, mentorship programs, and community engagement activities to reduce teenage involvement in internet fraud. This study enhances comprehension of denominational viewpoints on cybercrime and provides pragmatic ways for fostering ethical behaviour, young development, and social integrity
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