CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Penetration of internet and the wide use of mobile phones and its application technologies have popularized the use of New media among the masses, especially the youth (boyed, danah. 2007). It has become a big platform for people to create content, share it, bookmark it and network at a remarkable rate. The users to a large extend use New media to communicate and share their opinion with others in this participatory media. New media is very quickly changing the public discourse and setting trends among the masses. Various agendas have been raised in such discourses on different issues that range from the environment and politics to technology and the entertainment industry. The potential of New media in mobilizing public opinion and organizing protests on issues, say, social, political and environmental etc. cannot be underestimated considering their role in the popular uprising across the Middle East and West Africa (Axford, 2011) against the authoritarian regimes. Nigeria is also not left untouched by the changes brought by the New media revolution. About 65% of the Nigeria population are between 15 and 35 and they are experiencing the changes brought by the New Media technology (AnkiSchwittay, 2011). The recent trends in youth activism in Assam have undergone a series of change, Cyber civil society groups were created in New media which gained tremendous response from the youth. Issues pertaining to the social, political and environmental importance were discussed and, in some instances, these virtual groups have also stepped outside the cyberspace to participate in the street demonstrations and organized social events in the real world. The New media platform has largely influenced such participations by increasing the speed, reach and effectiveness of the communication.
1.2. AIM OF THE STUDY
The major aim of the study is to examine the influence of new media on public opinion and cyber activism among youths online. Other aims of the study are;
1. To examine the use of new media in expanding awareness among the youths at all levels with ease
2. To examine the effect of new media in enhancing public opinion among youths.
3. To examine the impact of new media on public opinion and cyber activism among youths
4. To examine the role of new media enlightens the youths online.
5. To examine the relationship between new media, public opinion and cyber activism.
1.3. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What is the effect of new media in enhancing public opinion among youths?
2. What is the impact of new media on public opinion and cyber activism among youths?
3. What is the role of new media enlightens the youths online?
4. What is the relationship between new media, public opinion and cyber activism?
1.4. RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
Hypothesis 1
H0:There is no significant impact of new media on public opinion and cyber activism among youths.
H1:There is a significant impact of new media on public opinion and cyber activism among youths.
Hypothesis 2
H0:There is no significant relationship between new media, public opinion and cyber activism.
H1:There is a significant relationship between new media, public opinion and cyber activism.
1.5. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study would be of immense benefit to students, researchers and scholars who are interested in developing further studies on the subject matter.
1.6. SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study is restricted to the influence of the new media on public opinion and cyber activism among youths online.
1.7. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
This research work was constrained in the following ways;
Time factor: this research work is being carried out as at the time the researcher was a full-fledged worker in an organization thereby reducing the time devoted to this research work.
Secrecy: some needful information was concealed by the organization(s) involved with the claim that their activities shouldn’t be made known in that manner to the public.
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