PROSPECTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN MEDIA SURVEILLANCE: A STUDY OF JOURNALISTS IN THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the Prospects and consequences of social media in the Guardian newspaper. To achieve this aim, the survey research method and the questionnaire as a research instrument were used. Subjects were drawn from Journalists in the Guardian newspaper, using the purposive sampling technique. Four research objectives and research questions guided the study. Research findings revealed that, it is appropriate to state that social media have changed journalism practice and have made great impact on journalist. This finding revealed that social media has had positive and negative effects on the usage of social media in carrying out journalistic activities as a journalists but with the positive effects having a stronger influence on the use of social media as a journalist. The findings also revealed that Journalists in the Guardian newspaper are very conversant with the usage of social media and have been able to use social media to effectively convey news to a wide range of audience even with the fact that sometimes the news gotten from the social media is not always verified, they still find it effective because they get instant access to breaking news online. To this end, the researcher recommended that journalists, Journalists should examine the various social media networking platforms accessible to determine which one is the most trustworthy and reputable in order to assure source credibility. The researcher suggested that further studies should be carried out on the role of social media in the development of Nigeria.