Analysis of Socio-Economic Determinants and Digital Media Exposure on Early Marriage in the Digital Era
Keywords:
Early marriage, Socio-economic factors, Digital exposure, Education, PovertyAbstract
Early marriage remains a persistent social issue, particularly in developing countries, despite ongoing efforts to reduce its prevalence. This study aims to analyze the influence of socio-economic factors and digital exposure on the phenomenon of early marriage in the digital era. Using a quantitative explanatory approach, data were collected from adolescents and young adults aged 15–24 through structured questionnaires. The study examines key socio-economic variables, including educational attainment, household income, and employment status, alongside digital exposure factors such as social media usage, online interactions, and access to digital information. Data were analyzed using logistic regression to determine both direct effects and interaction effects between variables. The findings reveal that socio-economic factors significantly influence early marriage, with educational attainment identified as the most dominant factor. Household income also shows a significant effect, where economic hardship increases the likelihood of early marriage as a coping strategy. In addition, digital exposure plays a complex role, functioning as both a risk and protective factor. High exposure to non-educational and idealized relationship content is associated with an increased likelihood of early marriage, while access to informative and educational digital content reduces this risk. In conclusion, early marriage in the digital era is influenced by the interaction between socio-economic inequality and digital media dynamics. The study highlights the importance of integrating educational improvement, economic support, and digital literacy in efforts to prevent early marriage. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of early marriage and provide a basis for more effective and contextually relevant policy interventions.
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