NJOMACS

The Third-Person Effect Theory predicts that negative media messages are perceived as affecting others more than oneself, with an increased tendency to perceive greater susceptibility among individuals with greater social distance. This study examined the perceived effects of safe sex messages on self and others among undergraduate students at the University of Ilorin. The findings revealed that Nigerian youths perceived the impact of safe sex messages to be higher on themselves than on others, indicating the presence of a First-Person Effect. This aligns with the theory's assertion that the First Person Effect emerges when a message is socially desirable, whereas a socially undesirable message results in a Third-Person Effect. One hypothesis in the study revealed differences in the perceived impact of safe sex messages on self and others. In contrast, the second hypothesis showed significant differences in the perception of the impact of these messages on friends or close associates versus others. The study recommended the continual and systematic dissemination of safe sex messages to engage Nigerian youths effectively.