Social Media as a Source of News: The Case of Ethio Telecom’s Head Office Workers
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Date
2019-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main objective of the study was to examine the use of social media as a source of news focusing on ethio telecom’s head office workers. Out of the total population of ethio telecom’s head office workers, 377 participants were selected using systematic sampling technique. In addition, six interviewees were selected using purposive sampling technique. Questionnaires and semi-structured interview were conducted to collect data from the respondents. The data obtained through questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics method. The findings were presented in the form of chart, graph and table. The data gained through interview were also analyzed qualitatively. The findings show that the main purpose of using social media for ethio telecom head office workers is collecting news and other kinds of information via smartphones. Majorities prefer to access news from media organizations account, which seems and conforms credible. The largest portion of respondents confirm that social media is a likable platform to deliver news fast. To that point, most of the respondents express that they do have knowledge about certain methods of verification which couldn’t be practically applied. Therefore, based on the above conclusion the researcher recommends that the target users need to develop skills for practical applications of verification before and after reception of social media news
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