Locus Of Control, Social Comparison And Propensity To Crime On Predisposition Towards Internet Fraud Among The Youths In Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

On the basis of the believe that certain individual psychological characteristic could influence act of committing internet fraud, this study investigates the influence of locus of control, social comparison, and propensity to crime on the predisposition towards internet fraud among youths in some selected universities in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 400 undergraduates across five universities in Ibadan. Structured questionnaires were used to measure locus of control, social comparison, propensity to crime, and predisposition towards internet fraud. Findings revealed that locus of control (β = .26, t = 6.06, p < .001) and propensity to crime significantly influenced predisposition towards internet fraud (β = .38, t = 8.87, p < .001), with individuals exhibiting an external locus of control and higher criminal tendencies being more likely to engage in fraudulent activities. Social comparison, however, did not have a significant independent effect (β = .002, t = 0.05, p = >.05). However, the results indicate that locus of control, social comparison, and propensity to jointly influenced predisposition towards internet fraud (R = .49, R² = .24, F(3, 442) = 47.64, p < .001). Additionally, gender and age were significant predictors, with males and younger individuals showing a higher predisposition towards internet fraud (R = .19, R² = .04, F(2, 443) = 8.16, p < .001). The study concludes that fostering an internal locus of control, addressing criminal propensities, and reducing socio-economic pressures are crucial in mitigating the prevalence of internet fraud among youths.