New Media and Adolescents’ Sexual Behaviour in Sub-Sahara Africa: Linking Theories to Realities

Abstract

Like the rest of the world, the new media are aiding and promoting speedy and easy access to information among adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), especially those in the urban centers who are of middle and upper class categorization. However, the new media are equally avenues for African adolescents to learn and develop antisocial behaviors. This article tries to interrogate the interconnectedness between the new media and adolescents’ sexual behavior in SSA, especially those in the middle and upper class background, by linking theories to realities. The theoretical assumptions of generational cohort theory (GCT), social learning theory (SLT), and uses and gratification theory (U&G) provide a good understanding of this connection. For instance, GCT would posit that the new generation of adolescents are born into a technological-driven society where the new media trend. SLT explains the connection from social psychological perspective and posits that learning, including sexual behavior, whether online or in the real world, is not purely behavioral, rather a cognitive process that takes place in a social context. U&G submits that new media are widely used by young people to achieve certain desires which may include cognitive, affective, personal integrated, social integrity, and tension-related needs. The article concludes that a single model analysis is not enough to understand the interconnectedness between the new media and adolescents’ sexual behavior in SSA. It rather suggests a theoretical pluralism. Effective parent–child communication regarding reproductive health matters, including sex and relationship education (SRE), in the school curriculum and homes are recommended.