This study was carried out to investigate the use of social media in development communication and how undergraduate students of Akwa Ibom State University perceived the usage. The specific objectives were: to find out if Akwa Ibom State University students are aware of the potential of social media for development communication and effect. Ascertain the specific social media that can be used for development communication. Determine the kind of development communication message that social media can be used for. Examine the constraints facing the use of social media for development communication and solutions.
The study adopted the survey research design which was employed to derive responses from a sample size of 200 undergraduate students of the Department of Mass Communication Akwa Ibom State University who were selected via random sampling techniques. Data were collected from this population using questionnaire.
The study revealed that: Akwa Ibom State University students are aware of the use of social media for development communication to a large extent; over half of the respondents use Facebook to send and receive information more than any other social networks; education messages were mostly communicated through the social media followed by messages on rural development; the use of the social media to communicate development was constrained greatly by lack of access to computers and high cost of subscription for internet access. Drawn from the findings, it was recommended that more enlightenment should be done in terms of using the social media to trigger development consciousness among the citizens.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Problems
4. Definition of Social Media
5. Social Media in Nigeria
6. What is Development Communication?
7. Areas of Development Concerns in Developing Nations
8. Social Media, Development and Development Communication
9. Methodology
10. Finding
11. Discussion
12. Recommendation
Objectives and Research Focus
This study aims to investigate the perception and usage of social media platforms for development communication among undergraduate students at Akwa Ibom State University, analyzing how these tools influence knowledge sharing and development awareness.
- Analysis of student awareness regarding the potential of social media for developmental purposes.
- Identification of preferred social media platforms used for disseminating development-related information.
- Examination of specific message types communicated through digital channels.
- Evaluation of key constraints, such as technical access and costs, hindering effective social media usage in development contexts.
Excerpt from the Book
What is Development Communication?
To proffer a very simple and understandable definition for development communication, it is pertinent to note that, the phrase ‘development communication’ is made up of two distinct words: ‘development’ and ‘communication’. Communication means the transfer of ideas, thoughts, knowledge and information among others from one person to another through a medium. Development is about change. It is about changing for the better. It could be about social or economic change for improvement or progress. Thus, development communication is about such communication that can be used for development. It is about using communication to change or improve something. Put it differently and simply, development communication can be defined as the use of communication to promote development.
Those who write the messages used for development communication are called development communicators. The development communicator plays a very significant role in explaining the development process to the common people in such a way that it finds acceptance. In order to achieve this objective a development communicator: has to understand the process of development and communication; should possess knowledge in professional techniques and should know the audience; prepare and distribute development messages to millions of people in such a way that they are received and understood, accepted and applied.
Summary of Chapters
Abstract: Provides an overview of the study's scope, including the research design, sample size of 200 students, and the primary findings regarding social media's role in development communication.
Introduction: Explores the rise of new media and information technology, highlighting the shift in social interaction and the potential of these tools for societal development.
Problems: Addresses the gap in current knowledge regarding how specific social media tools are utilized for development communication within the Nigerian student demographic.
Definition of Social Media: Defines social media as a network-based phenomenon that facilitates interaction, information exchange, and community formation without geographic barriers.
Social Media in Nigeria: Details the rapid growth of internet users in Nigeria and the specific popularity of platforms like Facebook among the youth population.
What is Development Communication?: Explains the conceptual intersection of communication and developmental goals, emphasizing the role of the communicator in driving social change.
Areas of Development Concerns in Developing Nations: Discusses how social media impacts sectors such as rural development, environmental protection, citizen science, education, and disaster management.
Social Media, Development and Development Communication: Examines the correlation between social networks and community well-being, arguing that digital tools enhance democratic participation and transparency.
Methodology: Describes the survey research design, the selection of the Mass Communication department at Akwa Ibom State University, and the data collection process.
Finding: Presents empirical data through tables, showing that students are highly aware of social media's potential but face significant infrastructural and financial constraints.
Discussion: Interprets the research results in the context of existing literature, confirming the prevalence of Facebook use and the critical barriers to effective engagement.
Recommendation: Suggests increased sensitization for Nigerian youth to leverage social media for communal development and government participation.
Keywords
Social Media, Development Communication, Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State University, Undergraduate Students, ICT, Facebook, Rural Development, Public Health, Education, Digital Literacy, Participatory Development, Internet Access, Sustainability, Crisis Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research study?
The study investigates how undergraduate students at Akwa Ibom State University perceive and utilize social media platforms specifically for the purpose of development communication.
What are the primary thematic areas covered in the book?
The book covers the definition of social media, its growth in Nigeria, the theoretical framework of development communication, and its application in areas like education, environmental protection, and rural development.
What is the central research question?
The central question explores the extent of student awareness regarding social media's potential for development, identifying which platforms are used and what kind of developmental messages are shared.
Which methodology was applied in this work?
The author employed a survey research design, utilizing questionnaires to collect data from a sample of 200 students in the Department of Mass Communication.
What does the main body of the work address?
It addresses the intersection of digital media and development, analyzing how communication tools can bridge gaps in community knowledge, leadership, and public governance.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
The research is best characterized by terms like Social Media, Development Communication, Digital Participation, Nigerian Youth, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
What specific role does Facebook play according to the research?
The research finds that Facebook is the most popular platform among the respondents for sending and receiving information, serving as a primary tool for social and developmental interaction.
What are the main obstacles identified for using social media for development?
The primary constraints identified are the lack of access to computer hardware and the high financial cost associated with maintaining stable internet subscriptions.
How do the findings relate to Sustainable Development Goals?
The book links social media usage to participatory development, suggesting that these tools empower marginalized groups and encourage the active participation needed to achieve development aims.
- Quote paper
- Edikan Ukpong (Author), 2016, The Role of Social Media in Development Communication, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/509295
