Date of Award
6-19-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Communication Studies, MA
First Advisor
Dinah Tetteh
Committee Members
Manu Bhandari; Marceline Hayes
Abstract
This study examines the role of social media in facilitating (mis)information on weight loss and cosmetic surgeries in Nigeria. Utilizing the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), the study examines information shared by influencers, audience engagements with such messages, and the factors influencing audience receptivity of the messages. Using a qualitative design, a thematic analysis was conducted on influencer posts and audience responses to such posts across major social media platforms. The findings show that influencers frequently framed cosmetic surgery and weight loss as aspirational lifestyle choices and downplayed the medical risks using means such as testimonials, visual transformations, and authenticity cues. Audience responses reflected reliance on peripheral cues such as relatability, visibility, and perceived authenticity rather than professional evaluation of the health messages. The research showed how testimonial persuasion and influencer credibility influenced health perceptions within online contexts. Utilizing ELM within an African context extends health communication and misinformation research, emphasizing the need for culturally relevant media literacy and public health interventions.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Agbo, Victoria Ochanya, "Social Media and Health Information Sharing in Nigeria: Trends in Weight Loss and Cosmetic Procedures" (2026). Student Theses and Dissertations. 1180.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/1180
