THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON MODERN JOURNALISM PRACTICES AMONG JOURNALISTS IN OSOGBO METROPOLIS
Abstract
This study examined the impact of social media on modern journalism practices among journalists in Osogbo Metropolis, Osun State, Nigeria. The objectives were to assess the extent of social media usage, examine its influence on news gathering and sourcing, evaluate effects on dissemination and audience engagement, and identify challenges and ethical implications. The study was guided by Technological Determinism Theory, Democratic Participant Media Theory, and Source Credibility Theory. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a sample of 150 journalists selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means). Findings revealed that 73.9% of respondents used social media daily, primarily WhatsApp (77.5%), enhancing news gathering (mean 3.9) and dissemination (mean 4.2). However, 69.0% cited misinformation as a major challenge, with 73.9% noting ethical pressures from speed demands.
Keywords: Social Media, Journalism Practices, News Gathering, Dissemination, Audience Engagement, Osogbo Metropolis, Ethics.
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