The role of social media in information dissemination to improve youth interactions
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Cogent Social Sciences
Abstract
This study investigated how youth in Community 8 in Tema, Ghana, used social media
and how that affected their interpersonal and communication skills. The study used a
combined framework of the Social Learning Theory and Media Richness Theory, as well
as an exploratory descriptive design and a qualitative technique, to investigate how
youth in Ghana’s Tema Community 8 perceive and use media. Thematic analysis was
used to identify the main themes and patterns in the data acquired from a sample of
16 youths between the ages of 15 and 25 using semi-structured interviews, focus
groups, and observation. Based on the findings of the study, for young people, social
media is the preferred method of contact over face-to-face encounters. Some individuals
believed that a more deliberate balance between digital and bodily interactions was
necessary. When it comes to effects on the ability to communicate face-to-face, there
is a reduction in abilities but some apparent advances in expressiveness. Comparing
platforms, advantages included increased networks and innovation, but overuse led to
social anxiety and distraction. The study demonstrates the need for parental mediation,
digital literacy programs that enable youth to use technology intentionally and
responsibly, partnerships between legislators, policymakers, and technology companies,
and guidance and interventions to help young people be able to balance offline
interactions with online interactions.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Information dissemination, interaction, social media
Citation
Priscilla Kwekie Tetteh & Philip Kwaku Kankam (2024) The role of social media in information dissemination to improve youth interactions, Cogent Social Sciences, 10:1, 2334480, DOI: 10.1080/23311886.2024.2334480