INFLUENCE OF THE USE OF NEW MEDIA PLATFORMS ON INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the influence of the use of new media platforms on interpersonal communication among journalists in Edo State. Using survey design, stratified sampling technique was used in studying 300 registered journalists drawn from selected media chapel. Questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection. The study became necessary following assumption that in the process of bringing journalists together may create distance among them. Yet little is known about the ways new media platforms influence the interpersonal communication among journalist in Edo State. Findings revealed that overwhelming number of journalists use new media to make new connections, develop and build strong relationship, keep in touch with new and old friends, express thought and feeling in a healthy way and to tweet and update facebook status. Findings also showed that journalists use smart phones, Internet, wikis, email, social networking sites, video/audio conferencing/skype and artificial intelligence. The study concluded that new media platform has impacted greatly on journalists interpersonal communication in Edo State. It recommended that journalist should keep abreast of media convergence as new media tools evolve in the future. Journalists must practice new elements of trust that are unique to new media in order to have an effective interpersonal communication. Journalists should master the skills needed to interact with various new media platforms. Further studies are recommended on how to maximise the importance of new media platforms for Interpersonal Communication, Building trust when using new media platforms for Interpersonal Communication and Usage of new media technologies for effective Interpersonal communication.