Perceived Influence of Credibility on Use of and Dependency on Social Networking Sites for News among UNILORIN Students
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Date
2020
Authors
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Publisher
Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin.
Abstract
News, as one of the most cardinal roles of journalism and media organisation, has faced increasing low
patronage since the triumph of neoliberal capitalist system which led to commercialisation of media and
commodification of news. The emergence of social and digital media platforms is, however, changing
narratives about news consumption, particularly among the youths. While the digital media platforms
rekindled the interest of the young audience, these alternative sources lack the gatekeeping qualities unique
to the mainstream media and give room for doubts on the credibility of information sourced therein. This
study, therefore, examined the influence of perceived credibility on the use of and dependency on social
network sites for news among the young audience (N=381) from the Uses and Gratifications (U&G) and
media system dependency theoretical lens. Findings revealed that, youth sampled use Social Networking
Sites (SNSs) to source information and news on celebrity, educational, sport, political matters and
investment issues. They also affirmed the centrality of the news on SNSs to their decision making about
important issues Additionally, it was found that perceived credibility was a significant predictor of use and
dependency on news on social networking sites. This study signals the need to leverage on youth’s
consumption of news on the social media to enhance certain practical and policy improvements on news
dissemination in today’s digitalised media environment.
Description
Keywords
News, Dependency theory, uses and gratifications, credibility, social networking sites, youths
Citation
2. Mustapha, M. L., Mustapha, L. K. & Abdulrauf-Salau, A. (2020): Perceived Influence of Credibility on Use of and Dependency on Social Networking Sites for News among UNILORIN Students. Social and Digital Media Discourse (SDMD). 1(1); 65-80