Patterns of Online Media Exposure among Young People in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated Patterns of online media exposure among young people in Anambra State, Nigeria. The rationale behind the study was to ascertain the ways young people in Anambra State access social media networks and to determine the reasons why they use the various online media platforms. Pegged on the Technological Determinism and the Uses and Gratification theories of the mass media, the study adopted quantitative research design and employed the questionnaire for data collection. The paper used a sample size of two hundred youths purposively drawn from Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi (all major cities in Anambra State) and adopted the percentage method in data analysis. Findings of the study show that many young people in Anambra State expose themselves to online media mainly through the use of their cell phones/handsets/smart phones and laptop/PC and that they use the various online media platforms for academic research purpose, for making and maintaining friendship, for entertainment/amusement and relaxation, chatting and for other purposes. The paper concluded that social networking sites are very useful platforms for interactive communication among young people and recommended more proactive use of online media for better academic attainment of young people.

Keywords: Patterns, Online, Media, Exposure, Young, People, Anambra State.