UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION ON THE INFLUENCE OF INTERNET ACCESS ON VULNERABILITY TO RADICALIZATION IN KENYA: IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNSELLING
Abstract
PURPOSE OF STUDY: This research aimed to investigate university students’ perceptions of the influence of internet access factors on vulnerability to radicalization in Kenya and its implications for counseling.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Internet use has many positive aspects, but it also presents new challenges, including the potential for individuals to be exposed to and be influenced by extremist groups. The students in public universities are vulnerable to radicalization because they are in a stage of individual search for a sense of self and personal identity, through an intense exploration of personal values, beliefs, and goals. Proper internet use during this stage and counselling interventions to counter violent extremism plays a key role in the healthy psychological development of the individual.
METHODOLOGY: The study adopted the mixed method convergent parallel research design targeting students, counselors, and peer counselors from two purposively selected public universities in Kenya. A sample of 644 respondents was determined using Yamane’s formula, and data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups. Analysis utilized chi-square tests with SPSS version 23.0 and NVivo 12, achieving instrument reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.79).
RESULTS: The results of the study showed a significant association between university students’ perception of the purpose for internet access, exposure to radicalization materials online and reasons for joining extremist groups and vulnerability to radicalization.
The statistics of Chi-square test of independence likelihood ratio (χ2 (16)=73.668, p<0.05) showed that there was a significant association between the perception on purpose for internet access and perception on reasons to justify extremist ideologies among university students.
The results of Chi-square test of independence likelihood ratio (χ2 (16) =82.159, p<0.05) showed that there was significant association between access to radicalization materials online and perception on reasons to justify extremist ideologies among university students.
The results of Chi-square test of independence likelihood Ratio (χ2 (16) = 55.886, p<0.05) showed that there was significant association between reasons for joining extremist networks and reasons to justify extremist ideologies among university students.
Conclusion: The study concluded that internet access significantly affects students’ vulnerability to radicalization. Addressing this issue requires targeted counseling interventions to reduce susceptibility to extremist ideologies.
Recommendations: Counsellors and educators need to provide digital literacy to help vulnerable individuals critically assess online content, identify extremist propaganda and avoid joining extremist groups.
Keywords: Student’s perception, influence of internet access, vulnerability to radicalization, implications for counselling.
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