The Impact of Social Media on News Dissemination in Nigeria

This study investigated the impact of social media on news dissemination in Nigeria. The proliferation of social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube, has fundamentally transformed how news is produced, distributed, and consumed in Nigeria. While traditional media gatekeepers once controlled the flow of information, social media has created a participatory media environment in which ordinary citizens function as content producers, distributors, and critics. This study examined how this shift has affected the speed, accuracy, credibility, and reach of news dissemination in Nigeria, with particular focus on young adults in Lagos State. The survey research design was adopted, and a structured questionnaire containing 30 items was administered to 400 respondents selected through stratified and purposive sampling techniques. Data were analysed using frequency distribution, simple percentages, mean scores, and Chi-square statistics. Findings revealed that social media significantly accelerates the speed of news dissemination but also contributes to the rapid spread of misinformation and fake news. While most respondents rely on social media as their primary source of news, they continue to depend on traditional media for verification. The study concludes that social media has transformed news dissemination in Nigeria but has weakened traditional gatekeeping practices. It recommends stronger regulatory frameworks and the institutionalisation of media literacy programmes to improve the credibility of online information. Keywords: Social Media, News Dissemination, Nigeria, Misinformation, Digital Journalism, Gatekeeping, Media Credibility.