Social Media and Violence: What are the Links Between Facebook use and Aggressive Behavior Among Young Cameroonians?

Social media is a preferred means of communication among young people. Several studies suggest that the use of Facebook has an impact on the behavior of young users. To the best of our knowledge, no study to date has investigated this issue in the African context. We analyzed the link between Facebook use and aggressive behavior among young Cameroonians. Specifically, we hypothesized that the type and intensity of Facebook use can predict aggressive behavior among this population. Five hundred and sixteen university students in Cameroon answered a questionnaire comprising four scales regarding Facebook use which measured: i) the intensity of use, ii) active and passive use, iii) problematic use, and iv) aggressive behavior. The analyses highlighted two interaction effects linked to aggressive behavior; the first was between passive use and the intensity of use on aggressive behavior, and the second between problematic use and passive use. We discuss the results taking into account the cultural dimension in the two interactions, and suggest avenues to prevent aggression and violent publicized.