Cognitive Dissonance and Cyber-fraud Behaviour among University Students in Nigeria

Abstract

The study focused on cognitive dissonance and cyber-fraud behaviour among university students in Nigeria. Three research questions were raised in the study. The study adopted a qualitative and quantitative survey method. The population for this study comprised of all university students in Nigeria. A stratified sampling technique was employed in the study. The sample for this study was 650 students from selected from three universities in Nigeria (Delta State University, Abraka, University of Benin, Benin and University of Port – Harcourt, Port – Harcourt. Data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire titled "Cognitive Dissonance and Cyber-fraud Behaviour Questionnaire (CDCBQ)." Simple percentage, Mean, standard deviation, and Pearson “r” statistics were the statistical tools deployed for the analysis of the data collected. Based on the findings, many students revealed that they feel intimidated by their peers who are already successful in the ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ business driving exotic cars, building mansions and buying expensive clothes. It concluded that cognitive dissonance engenders feelings of psychological embarrassment, prompting changes in attitude and behaviour as a way to alleviate this discomfort. It therefore recommended that the government and educational institutions should integrate cyber-security and ethics into university curricula. Foster a culture of honesty and integrity within universities and society, etc.