ATTITUDE OF MASS COMMUNICATION UNDERGRADUATES TOWARDS THE USE OF MOBILE PHONES FOR NEWS REPORTING IN BENIN CITY NIGERIA
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Abstract
This study investigated the attitude of Mass Communication undergraduates at the University
of Benin towards the use of mobile phones for news reporting. The research was guided by
three objectives: to examine students’ level of awareness, their attitudes, and the challenges
they encounter in using mobile phones for journalism. Anchored on the Uses and
Gratifications Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model, the study adopted the survey
design. The population comprised 932 undergraduates across four levels (100 – 400), from
which a sample of 300 respondents was selected. A structured questionnaire served as the
instrument for data collection, and the responses were analyzed using simple percentages,
frequency tables, and mean scores with a 2.50 criterion mean. The findings revealed that
students possess a high level of awareness of the journalistic potential of mobile phones,
recognizing their speed and ease in reporting. The results also showed a positive attitude
towards mobile phone reporting, with students viewing it as credible, career-enhancing, and
vital for the future of journalism. However, major challenges were identified, including high
data costs, unstable electricity, poor network connectivity, lack of professional training, and
credibility concerns. The study concludes that while Mass Communication students at
UNIBEN are enthusiastic about mobile phone reporting, infrastructural and institutional
challenges hinder full adoption. It recommends curriculum reforms, improved training, and
better infrastructural support to maximize the use of mobile phones for journalism.
of Benin towards the use of mobile phones for news reporting. The research was guided by
three objectives: to examine students’ level of awareness, their attitudes, and the challenges
they encounter in using mobile phones for journalism. Anchored on the Uses and
Gratifications Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model, the study adopted the survey
design. The population comprised 932 undergraduates across four levels (100 – 400), from
which a sample of 300 respondents was selected. A structured questionnaire served as the
instrument for data collection, and the responses were analyzed using simple percentages,
frequency tables, and mean scores with a 2.50 criterion mean. The findings revealed that
students possess a high level of awareness of the journalistic potential of mobile phones,
recognizing their speed and ease in reporting. The results also showed a positive attitude
towards mobile phone reporting, with students viewing it as credible, career-enhancing, and
vital for the future of journalism. However, major challenges were identified, including high
data costs, unstable electricity, poor network connectivity, lack of professional training, and
credibility concerns. The study concludes that while Mass Communication students at
UNIBEN are enthusiastic about mobile phone reporting, infrastructural and institutional
challenges hinder full adoption. It recommends curriculum reforms, improved training, and
better infrastructural support to maximize the use of mobile phones for journalism.
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