Moral Disengagement and Engagement in Internet Fraud among Undergraduates in Ignatius Ajuru University of Education

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between moral disengagement and engagement in internet fraud among undergraduates of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. The study specifically focused on two subvariables of moral disengagement: moral justification and euphemistic labelling. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and a sample of 400 undergraduates was selected using stratified random sampling from the university population of 11,500 students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed through a pilot study, yielding Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.82, 0.79, and 0.85 for moral disengagement, moral engagement, and internet fraud sections, respectively. Findings revealed that both moral justification (r = 0.612, p < 0.05) and euphemistic labelling (r = 0.534, p < 0.05) were positively and significantly related to engagement in internet fraud. This indicates that undergraduates who rationalize or soften the perception of fraudulent acts are more likely to participate in online fraud. The study concluded that moral disengagement mechanisms play a crucial role in shaping students’ engagement in internet fraud, highlighting the need for interventions that enhance moral awareness and accountability. Based on the findings, it was recommended that ethics education, digital literacy programs, workshops, peer mentoring, and parental involvement be strengthened to mitigate fraudulent online behaviours among undergraduates. The study contributes to understanding the psychological processes underlying cybercrime among Nigerian tertiary students and provides insights for policy and educational strategies aimed at promoting ethical online conduct.