The Effect of Visual and Verbal Sexual Content on Television among Students of Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

In the Nigerian context, however, research on the effects of sexual content on television has been relatively limited. Aderemi (2009) examined the influence of television programming on the behavior of Nigerian youth, noting that while television is a popular form of entertainment, there is a dearth of studies focused specifically on the impact of sexual content. As Nigerian students increasingly engage with global media through cable networks, social media, and internet platforms, the exposure to sexual content has become an urgent issue. The need for research on the effects of such content on Nigerian students is particularly pressing as the country navigates a complex intersection of traditional values, and the evolving educational environment.

Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, a well-regarded institution in Imo State, serves as a microcosm of this broader trend. While various studies have been conducted on the role of media in shaping the values of young people, there has been minimal research specifically focusing on students in Nigerian polytechnics. Okoro (2016) and Ogunyemi (2015) have called for more localized studies in Nigerian educational settings to understand how students' exposure to sexual content affects their academic performance, social behavior, and mental health.

Television has long been recognized as one of the most powerful tools for communication and entertainment, particularly among young people. Over time, it has become a significant medium for transmitting cultural norms, social values, and attitudes, including those related to sexuality. In many societies, including Nigeria, television often serves as an accessible and dominant platform where individuals, particularly students, are exposed to various forms of media content. Among these, sexual content both visual and verbal is increasingly prevalent. According to Levine (2002), sexual content on television is not a new phenomenon, but its accessibility and frequency have expanded in recent years due to the growth of cable networks, satellite television, and internet streaming services. Previous research has suggested that exposure to sexual content can significantly influence the sexual attitudes and behaviors of young people (Levine, 2002).

In recent years, there has been growing concern regarding the effect of such content on students, especially those in tertiary institutions. Television has a profound influence on students' socialization and the development of their values and beliefs. It is a key medium through which students are exposed to various forms of content, including sexual material. The impact of such content on students' behavior, mental health, academic performance, and social interaction has attracted considerable attention from researchers and policymakers alike.

The students of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, located in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, represent a diverse and dynamic group of young adults, many of whom are navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The increasing prevalence of sexual content on television is likely to have an influence on their perceptions and attitudes toward these topics. Sexual content on television has become an increasingly prevalent subject of discussion in contemporary society due to its potential effects on audiences, especially young viewers. Sexual content refers to any material in television programming that depicts or suggests sexual activity, behavior, or desires.

The Federal Polytechnic Nekede in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, provides an ideal setting for exploring the effects of sexual content on students. This institution is populated by young adults who are in a critical stage of personal and academic development, and therefore, their exposure to such content warrants attention. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of visual and verbal sexual content in television programming on the students' perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors.

1.2 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that the portrayal of sexual content on television has become an integral part of modern media, with increasing exposure among various audience groups, particularly students. Among these, young adults, such as those in higher education institutions, are particularly vulnerable to the influence of both visual and verbal sexual content. Students at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, like their counterparts in other institutions, are exposed to a wide range of media content, much of which includes explicit or suggestive sexual imagery and language.

Additionally, there is a growing concern that such exposure is affecting students' social behaviors, academic performance, and even their mental well-being. The extent to which frequent exposure to sexual content on television leads to desensitization, early sexualization, or a shift in social behaviors remains unclear. The gap in existing studies raises the need to investigate whether students at Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri are being negatively impacted by their exposure to sexual content and if so, how it affects their academic focus, personal relationships, and moral development.

Furthermore, television is a dominant medium that shapes the values and behaviors of students, particularly in an era where cable television, satellite broadcasts, and internet streaming offer unlimited access to diverse forms of media content. The problem also extends to the coping mechanisms students employ in dealing with the potential consequences of consuming sexual content on television. It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to explore how exposure to such content influences their attitudes, behaviors, and academic performance, as well as the potential social and psychological consequences of frequent consumption of sexual media.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of visual and verbal sexual content on television programming on students at Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri. To achieve this aim, the study will focus on the following objectives:

1. To evaluate the psychological and emotional effects of sexual content on students, including changes in self-esteem, body image, and mental well-being.
2. To determine the frequency of exposure of students at Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri to visual and verbal sexual content on television.
3. To explore the potential correlation between exposure to sexual content and changes in students' social behaviors, such as their interactions with peers and participation in social activities.
4. To assess the impact of visual and verbal sexual content on students' academic performance, including potential distractions or shifts in focus due to media consumption.
5. To examine the attitudes and perceptions of students regarding sexual content on television and how it shapes their views on relationships, sexuality, and gender roles.
6. To identify students' awareness of the influence of sexual content on their beliefs and behavior, and to assess their ability to critically analyze and differentiate between media portrayals and real-life sexual relationships.

1.4 Research Questions

Based on the objectives of the study, the following research questions have been formulated to guide the investigation into the effect of visual and verbal sexual content on television among students of Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri:

• Are students at Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri aware of the influence of sexual content on their beliefs and behavior, and are they able to critically analyze and distinguish between media portrayals of sexuality and real-life relationships?
• To what extent are students at Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri exposed to visual and verbal sexual content on television?
• How do students perceive sexual content on television, and how do these perceptions influence their views on relationships, sexuality, and gender roles?
• What is the impact of exposure to visual and verbal sexual content on the academic performance of students at Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri?
• How does exposure to sexual content on television influence students' social behaviors, particularly their interactions with peers and engagement in social activities?
• What are the psychological and emotional effects of exposure to sexual content on students, particularly in terms of self-esteem, body image, and mental well-being?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Based on the objectives and research questions, the following hypotheses are proposed for the study:

• H₀1: There is no significant relationship between exposure to visual and verbal sexual content on television and the academic performance, social behaviors, or psychological well-being of students at Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri.
• H₀2: Exposure to visual and verbal sexual content on television significantly impacts the academic performance of students at Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri.
• H₀3: Exposure to sexual content on television significantly influences the social behaviors of students, particularly their interactions with peers and participation in social activities.

1.6 Significance of Study

The outcome of this research will have significant implications for policymakers, educators, and media producers. For educators and administrators, the study will provide evidence-based guidance on the potential effects of media consumption on students' academic performance and social behavior.

Additionally, the study will be of importance to parents and guardians, offering insights into how television programming may shape the beliefs and behaviors of young adults. It will provide a platform for discussions on responsible media consumption and its role in shaping the values of students during their formative years.

Furthermore, this study will serve as a foundation for further research on the influence of media, particularly sexual content, on Nigerian students. It will contribute to global discussions on the role of media in shaping youth behavior, providing evidence from a Nigerian perspective, and helping to establish more comprehensive media literacy programs for young people.

1.7 Scope of Study

This study will focus on the impact of visual and verbal sexual content on television among students of Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, located in Imo State, Nigeria. The scope will be limited to students currently enrolled at Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, a prominent higher education institution in the southeastern region of Nigeria.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
3. Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Visual Sexual Content:

Visual sexual content refers to images, scenes, or depictions on television that explicitly or implicitly convey sexual themes, actions, or behavior. This includes nudity, sexual acts, or suggestive imagery intended to elicit sexual interest or response. Research indicates that visual sexual content has the potential to shape viewers' perceptions of sexuality and relationships, often reinforcing certain stereotypes or unrealistic expectations (Levine & Murnen, 2009).

Verbal Sexual Content:

Verbal sexual content encompasses dialogue, language, or spoken words in television programs that address, imply, or explicitly reference sexual activity, desire, or relationships. This type of content can range from suggestive comments to explicit sexual discussions, influencing how audiences perceive and engage with sexual topics. Studies suggest that exposure to verbal sexual content can affect viewers' attitudes toward sexuality, gender norms, and romantic relationships (Coyne et al., 2008).

Television:

Television, as used in this study, refers to the medium of broadcasted content, including local and international channels accessible to students of Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri. Television remains a prominent form of media in Nigeria, shaping cultural norms and influencing social behaviors (Okafor & Iroegbu, 2013).