Social Engineering and Its Effect on the Attitudes of Nigerian Youths and University Graduates

..Imagine scrolling through Instagram and suddenly believing you're a crypto expert after watching a 15-second reel. Welcome to the world of social engineering! In Nigeria, it’s not just about hacking your bank account anymore—it’s about hacking your brain. But how exactly are these online tricksters influencing the minds of young Nigerians? Spoiler: It's way more than just "like and subscribe!"

In an age where technology permeates every aspect of life, a new kind of threat quietly influences the attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors of Nigeria's youth and university graduates—social engineering. Often associated with cybercrimes and data breaches, social engineering has evolved far beyond simple tricks to steal passwords. It now plays a subtle yet profound role in shaping how individuals view themselves, society, and their futures. But what exactly is social engineering, and how is it impacting the next generation of Nigerians? This article explores the growing influence of social manipulation tactics on young Nigerians and examines how these forces affect their attitudes, aspirations, and behaviors.

Understanding Social Engineering: More Than Just Cybercrime

You might think social engineering is just some geek in a dark room trying to guess your passwords. Well, can i ask to think again? It's more like someone whispering sweet nothings into your brain until you accidentally spill all your secrets. In Nigeria, social engineers don’t just steal data; they’re crafting entire worldviews—sometimes, with a bit of glitter and a viral dance challenge.

At its core, social engineering refers to the psychological manipulation of individuals into divulging confidential information or performing certain actions. While this definition often pertains to the realm of cybersecurity, the concept is much broader in its societal context. Today, social engineering encompasses various tactics used by political actors, marketers, scammers, and even influencers on social media to control or guide public opinion and behavior.

According to Dr. Tunde Ogunleye, a professor of psychology at the University of Lagos, "Social engineering is essentially a form of persuasion. In Nigeria, we've seen this play out through digital platforms where young people are often targeted with disinformation, fraud schemes, and narratives that influence their values and decisions."

The Influence of Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword

Social media: where you can go from feeling like a genius to wondering if a parrot can actually predict your future. Nigerian youths are scrolling through an endless feed of news, fake news, and "I can’t believe this is news." One moment you're catching up on your favorite celebrity’s life, the next you’re in a deep conspiracy about alien elections. How did we get here?

Social media has become an indispensable tool for communication, entertainment, and networking among Nigerian youths and graduates. However, it is also the primary platform for social engineering. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok serve as conduits for a range of manipulative tactics. From politically motivated fake news to pyramid schemes disguised as investment opportunities, the impact of social engineering on these platforms is significant.

The viral spread of misinformation and disinformation is a common issue. In the buildup to the 2023 Nigerian general elections, for example, social media was awash with manipulated narratives aimed at swaying public opinion. Ayo Adebayo, a digital analyst, notes, "Youth in Nigeria are particularly vulnerable to misinformation because social media is often their primary source of news. Unlike traditional media, content on these platforms is unregulated, making it difficult to discern fact from fiction."

The result? A generation whose worldview may be shaped more by online conspiracies and sensational content than by verified information. The consequences range from political apathy to radicalization, as these youths absorb conflicting and often misleading narratives.

Economic Implications: The Rise of Fraudulent Schemes

Ever gotten a message saying, “Invest ?10,000 today, become a millionaire tomorrow”? Congrats, you’ve met a social engineer. Nigeria’s job market might be rough, but these online fraudsters are working overtime to convince young graduates that a Ponzi scheme is basically a retirement plan. If only job applications were as convincing as these fraudsters’ promises.

Nigeria's high unemployment rate among university graduates, which stood at 42.5% in 2023 according to the National Bureau of Statistics, has created fertile ground for financial fraud schemes that exploit desperation. Social engineers have increasingly targeted young graduates with promises of quick wealth through various get-rich-quick schemes. Many of these scams, such as Ponzi schemes and forex trading fraud, prey on the aspirations of educated but economically marginalized individuals.

"A lot of university graduates are caught in a cycle of economic uncertainty," says Bola Adedeji, an economist based in Abuja. "This makes them easy targets for social engineers who exploit their desperation by offering fraudulent investment opportunities. Unfortunately, these graduates often lose what little savings they have, leading to further economic disenfranchisement."

In one infamous case, the collapse of the MMM (Mavrodi Mundial Moneybox) scheme in 2016 left many young Nigerians financially devastated. Despite repeated warnings from financial institutions and government agencies, many youths were lured by the promise of quick returns, demonstrating the power of social engineering in shaping economic behavior.

Cultural Shifts: New Attitudes Towards Work and Success

Forget "work hard, play hard." These days it’s more like “post hard, get rich quicker.” Nigerian youths are redefining success with one eye on their hustle and the other on their follower count. Thanks to social engineering, a university degree now competes with "how to start your own Bitcoin empire in 30 days" TikTok videos.

Social engineering also plays a role in the shifting attitudes towards work, success, and the "hustle culture" that has become increasingly popular among Nigerian youth. Social media influencers often project a glamorous lifestyle funded by entrepreneurship, crypto trading, or even less legitimate activities. This creates a sense of pressure and urgency among young Nigerians to achieve success by any means necessary, even if it means cutting ethical corners.

"You see a lot of young people today valuing wealth over hard work or academic achievement," says Chiamaka Udeh, a sociology researcher at the University of Ibadan. "This is a direct result of social engineering tactics employed by influencers who glorify the 'fast life.' It distorts what young people perceive as the 'right' way to achieve success, and we’ve seen this shift across various socioeconomic backgrounds."

This mentality is evident in the rising popularity of "Yahoo-Yahoo" (internet fraud) among Nigerian youths. The pursuit of quick success often outweighs long-term goals, such as developing sustainable career paths, leading to a generation increasingly detached from traditional work ethics.

The Psychological Toll: Anxiety and Identity Confusion

..Feeling stressed because your life doesn’t look like an influencer’s feed? You’re not alone. Between the "boss babe" culture and get-rich-quick schemes, young Nigerians are stuck in a mental tug-of-war between reality and Instagram filters. The only thing harder than landing a job these days might just be keeping your sanity.

Beyond the economic and cultural implications, social engineering is also taking a toll on the mental health of Nigerian youths and graduates. The constant bombardment of manipulative content—whether it’s fake news, exaggerated success stories, or fraudulent schemes—can lead to heightened anxiety, identity confusion, and low self-esteem. Many young people grapple with feelings of inadequacy when they compare their lives to the often unattainable ideals they see online.

"Social media is a curated space where only the highlights of people's lives are shown," says Dr. Funmilayo Adetunji, a clinical psychologist. "For young Nigerians, constantly consuming this content creates unrealistic expectations, leading to feelings of failure when they can't meet those standards. It's a classic example of how social engineering tactics can indirectly lead to mental health issues."

Combating Social Engineering: Education and Awareness

The best defense against social engineers? It’s not a tinfoil hat, but close—education! From fact-checking to spotting scams, young Nigerians need a crash course in not falling for every “DM me for a surprise” message. Luckily, the tools are out there, and no, they don’t involve learning how to decode binary from memes.

Given the pervasive nature of social engineering, how can Nigerian youths and university graduates guard themselves against its negative effects? The answer lies in our mindset, education and awareness. We must train our mind to be focused, institutions parents, religous leaders must also focus on digital literacy, critical thinking, and psychological resilience. The government, non-governmental organizations, and educational institutions need to create programs that teach young people how to recognize manipulation tactics online and offline.

"Building digital literacy is key," says Mrs. Nnenna Ekeji, an advocate for youth education. "If young Nigerians understand how algorithms and psychological tricks are used to manipulate them, they'll be better equipped to make informed decisions. Critical thinking should be at the forefront of our educational curricula."

Social engineering, in its various forms, continues to shape the attitudes, decisions, and futures of Nigerian youths and university graduates. From economic fraud to identity crises fueled by social media, the effects are far-reaching and complex. However, with increased awareness and educational initiatives, young Nigerians can better navigate these manipulative forces and reclaim control over their narratives.

In a world where digital and psychological manipulation is becoming the norm, the challenge lies in teaching the next generation to think critically, question the information they receive, and cultivate resilience in the face of external influences. Only then can Nigeria's youth break free from the shackles of social engineering and truly thrive.

Surviving social engineering these days is like trying to avoid spoilers for your favorite TV show—tricky but possible. Nigerian youths have to outsmart not just scammers, but algorithms and influencers promising instant fame. Can they make it through the digital jungle without falling for the next Ponzi scheme or viral hoax? Only time—and probably more memes—will tell.