ABSTRACT
This research examines the attitude of readers to online publications, using Ekehuan campus as a case study. It is aimed at finding out what students in the Ekehuan campus, university of Benin think of the influence of online publications in their perception of news. It was gathered that the students frequently use the online media and read and consume many information and content online. They also submitted that they believe to a large extent, the authenticity of the online media. For it's theoretical framework, the research study uses the "uses and gratification and source credibility theory. The uses and gratification theory is an approach at understanding the "why and how" people actively seeking out specific media to satisfy specific needs. Media credibility on the other hand scrutinizes the perceived image and believability of media content by its various widespread audience. The study makes use of the quantitative research method in order to collate comprehensive and exhaustive data. In the adoption of the quantitative research approach, a questionnaire was administered to a representative sample of the population of the Ekehuan campus, university of Benin. The questionnaire scrutinized the impact and influence of online media to audience as well as their perception and attitude towards online publications.From the findings in this research, it was drawn that a large percentage of students in Ekehuan campus, university of Benin frequently use the online media with major specification on social media, ranging from Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and WhatsApp. They further revealed that online publications are highly interactive and a majority expressed positive disposition and attitude towards online media and publications.From findings of this research work, it was recommended that media literacy should be promoted through media literacy workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns. Also engagement and interaction should be encouraged and enhanced through provision of comments, feedbacks and discussions among readers. Content for diverse audience should also be created to cater to various interests, preferences, and information needs. considering the diverse nature of the population of students at the Ekehuan campus Furthermore, the quality of content of the online media should be improved upon in order to accelerate and enhance the impact of journalism. Content creators, journalists, and the online media platforms should also of necessity, adhere to ethical journalism standards and guidelines in view of building and solidifying the reputation of online media in this 21st century.
