This paper investigates the influence of social media influencers on the attitudes of youths toward hard drug use in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria. Drawing on Social Influence Theory, the study explores how exposure to influencers’ content; whether direct or indirect, shapes perceptions and potential behaviours among young people. A survey design was adopted, with 400 youths purposively sampled across 11 wards in Ilorin South Local Government Area. Findings indicate that social media influencers play a significant role in shaping youth perceptions, with many normalizing drug-related content through music, skits, and lifestyle posts. The study underscores the responsibility of digital figures in public discourse and calls for a collaborative approach involving media regulation, education, and influencer accountability to curb the rise of drug abuse among Nigerian youths. Therefore, it is recommended that influencers should recognize their moral responsibility and use their platforms for advocacy against hard drug use.
Vol. 4, No 4, pp. 19-25.