Internet-Based Communications: A Threat or Strength to National Security?

Abstract

This study examined how internet-based communication channels impact on national security in Nigeria. The study was conducted in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. Three research questions guided the study and three null hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance. A total of 385 internet users were selected using a combination of purposive and snow ball sampling techniques. In the analysis of data for the study, correlation analysis and multiple regression were used. The result of the analysis showed that internet-based media of communication like the Facebook, Gmail, YouTube, Yahoo mail, and Twitter significantly correlate national security. It was also found that there are specific ways through which negative use of the internet could impact negatively on national security. Such predictors include using internet-based media to recruit agents of national security challenges, to finance such efforts, to radicalize such agents, to train such agents, and to spread incitement that may be inimical to national security. It was also found that internet-based media could be useful for creating awareness on national security threats, raising alarm on national security issues, and making people alert on national security issues. Base on the result of this study, the researcher recommends, among others, that the traditional media like radio, TV, newspapers, and magazines should form a synergy with security agencies on how to create awareness to Nigerians regarding how security alertness for the overall benefit of national security.