Mustapha, Maryam LasisiMustapha, Lambe KayodeAbdulrauf-Salau, Aishat2024-05-082024-05-082020Mustapha, M. L., Mustapha, L. K. & Abdulrauf-Salau, A. (2020): Dependency on social networking sites for news among UNILORIN students. Social & Digital Media Discourse, 1(1): 81-92https://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/123456789/13874News, 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. Keywords: News, Dependency theory, uses and gratifications, credibility, social networking sites, youthsenArticle