The Impact of Contemporary Communication Technology on Undergraduate Students’ Dating Violence Episodes: An Exploration of Routine Activity Theory

Abstract

The study was an empirical exploration of the kinds of communication technologies used in perpetrating different forms of Cyber Dating Abuse. The study was guided by Routine activities theory which states that the daily activities that individuals engage in make them susceptible to Cyber Dating Abuse. The study utilized data collected from 315 dating undergraduate students from selected universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The research design used in the study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey. The results showed that respondents mainly used smartphones to constantly exchange calls, text messages and instant messages on social media. Instant messaging on WhatsApp was most frequently used to perpetrate Cyber Dating Abuse. The findings indicate that the social interaction afforded by the use of various digital media made it possible for motivated offenders to encounter suitable victims (in this case their partners). An extended use of digital media by the victims increased their visibility and accessibility to the offender. A Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient r (313) = 0.20, p ≤ 0.001 established that the amount of time spent online was statistically and significantly positively associated with higher Cyber Dating Abuse victimization. Since digital media keeps evolving with chances that the youth will keep using it, this implies that Cyber Dating Abuse victimization is likely to persist. This calls for a need for universities to have critical discussions on how Cyber Dating Abuse, can be prevented to avoid its escalation which may lead to worse consequences on students’ psychological health and academic outcomes.