International Journal of English Literature and Culture

Vol. 9(6), pp. 157-165, November 2021

 ISSN: 2360-7831

https://doi.org/10.14662/ijelc2021240

 

Review

 

Abstract

 

The aim of this study was to understand the marriage of convenience between social networking sites and the journalism profession. Subjects were drawn from the concept of social media; its evolution, pros, cons and prospects, rise of networking sites as news platforms. This study is situated within the technological determinism and diffusion of innovation theories. Having surveyed practicing journalists in Lokoja, Kogi State, through the administration of questionnaire, the study gathered that journalists make adequate use of social media. This is as a result of the requisite level of knowledge they have in maneuvering the social media space. Other reasons are; having smart devices at their disposal, the demand to meet deadline, the quest to keep abreast with the latest happenings etc. This union perhaps cannot be divorced despites the many teething problems such as hate speech, cybercrime, cyber bullying etc. However, to improve the use of social networking sites by journalists in Nigeria, this study suggests that the provision of adequate infrastructure and more access to internet facilities should be a priority by governments and media establishments like other climes in order to engender a viral democracy, which will provide answers to the call for accountability in governance and corporate life.

 

Keywords: social media, networking sites, journalism, journalists, information, news.  

 

Cite This Article As: Agbana, O.F., Okee, A.V., Aruwa, J.E.(2021). Social networking sites and journalism practice: a marriage of convenience. Inter. J. Eng. Lit. Cult. 9(6):157-165