The Role of Social Media in the Dissemination of News: A Study of the Students of Selected Higher Education Institutes in the District of North 24 Parganas, West Bengal

Abstract

The shift towards the digital media has changed the news consumption from traditional platforms to social media, how news is disseminated and interacted with. The social networking platform has become a dominant source of news for a significant portion of the global population, facilitating rapid information flow and enabling users not only to consume but also to share and comment on news
stories. This study sheds light on the role of social media in news consumption among students of higher education institutes in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Utilising a quantitative descriptive research design, the study explores the frequency and motivations behind students ’engagement with news on social media. Data gathered in the form of surveys from journalism and mass communication students shown a tremendous differences between the relationship of active news seekers and passive news consumers. The results indicate that while a substantial number of students passively encounter news on social media, there is a robust engagement from those actively seeking news, driven by the convenience and interactive nature of social platforms. By examining these dynamics, the research shares valuable insights into the evolving landscape of news consumption and underscores the need for strategies to enhance news literacy and ensure a well-informed public discourse.