What Lies Beneath Social Media Sex Traps? Interrogating the Trends of Online Self-disclosure Among Youth in Kenya

Abstract

Scholarly evidence indicates that the rise of sexual and health misinformation on social media platforms (SMPs) continues to affect the majority of the global youth population, denying many the right to make safe and informed decisions concerning their health. While existing studies have primarily focused on the prevalence of different types of health risks in online misinformation, the concept of self-disclosure on social media is often overlooked in sexual health communication. This article presents findings from a study that deals with the question of the online trends that catalyze precarious online self-disclosure among Kenyan youth. Specifically, it addresses three areas: SMP preferences, choices of online friendships, and respondents’ demographics, in relation to social media deception. Sixty students aged 18–21 years were randomly sampled from five faculties at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). Data were then collected using focus group discussions (FGDs) and questionnaires. We investigated the spread of these falsehoods on three social network sites (SNS): Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok. Findings revealed that youth exposure to social media sex lies increases both their indecent self-disclosure and a higher likelihood to engage in risky sexual behavior. Stakeholders can utilize these findings to provide necessary health communication support.