Assessment of Objectivity Levels of News on Social Media Platforms

Abstract

The study assessed objectivity levels of news on social media platforms. The study’s objectives were among others to examine the objectivity level of news on social media platforms. The study adopted the Social Responsibility Theory as its theoretical anchor. The survey research design was adopted as the research methodology and well-structured questionnaire was the instrument of data collection. The population of the study was residents of Rivers State and a sample size of 385 was derived for the study using the Sample Size Table from The Research Advisors (2006). The multistage sampling technique was used to reach the respondents for the study. The research found that the level of objectivity of social media news reports are low, that the consumers hold negative perceptions when it comes to news reports on social media and that while attaining absolute objectivity in the media may be difficult, it is however achievable only if the news disseminators shy away from prejudices, personal feelings and ambitions. He must be able to keep his biases in check. Thus, the study among others recommends that the federal government in collaboration with the Ministry of Information should propose a ‘social media use bill’ to the National Assembly to enact a social media law that would clearly outline the dos and don’ts is for social media users. Also, traditional media with online presence must guard their reputation and credibility, through fairness, truthfulness, accuracy and objectivity in disseminating information to the public.