1.2Objectives
of the Study
The study had the following objectives:
1. To
know if journalists in Lagos metropolis are exposed to social media networking
tools.
2. To
find out the type of social media tools journalists in Lagos metropolis prefer.
3. To
determine whether social media have enhanced the productivity of journalists in
Lagos metropolis.
1.3Research
Questions
1. To
what extent are journalists in Lagos metropolis exposed to social media
networking tools?
2. What
type of social media tool do journalists in Lagos metropolis prefer?
3. How
have social media enhanced the productivity of journalists in Lagos metropolis?
1.4 Research Hypothesis
H1: There is
significant difference between journalists in Lagos metropolis who use social
media networking tools and those who do not.
1.5 Scope of the Study
This study is focused on journalists in Lagos metropolis and not
necessarily conclusive for journalists in other parts of Nigeria. Since
journalists share common characteristics and skills, data generated from this
study and the result obtained thereof, can be applied to all journalists.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study will be of immeasurable importance
to journalists, media organizations, news agencies, editors, lecturers and
students in the field of journalism and mass communication as well as other
researchers who will want to embark on same study as this.
The study will help journalists to source useful information using
social media networking tools as well as provide them with a guide on how to
write online stories. It will also help journalists to interact with their
audience and identify their information needs. The study will also help
journalists who have rarely embraced social media to do so in order to increase
their productivity.
1.7 Operational Definition of Significant Terms
A. Social
media: The term social media refers to the Internet-based social networking
websites developed to specifically help people share their views and stay in
touch with their friends, relatives and well wishers.
B. Media:
media in this study are Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other social media
networking tools which journalists use to disseminate information to a large
heterogeneous audience.
C. Journalism:
this is the practice of writing, editing, and disseminating information to the
public.
D. Modern
journalism: it is a term used to describe the new era in journalism where
internet and computers are used in almost every journalistic activity.