NEWS CONSUMPTION

This study investigated the Impact of New Media (X) on News Consumption among University Students. A sample size of 276 Full-time Mass Communication students (2024/2025 academic session) in University of Benin were used as the scope of this study, focusing on their engagement patterns, motivations and influencing factors. The study was anchored on Democratic Participant Media Theory and Uses and Gratification. The findings revealed a high level of engagement, with entertainment and news consumption emerging as primary motivations. Speedy reporting, credibility and accuracy were identified as key factors influencing news consumption. However, the prevalence of fake news posed a significant concern, highlighting the need for critical thinking skills and media literacy among university students. The findings equally emphasised the significance of new media platforms giving credibility, accuracy and engagement top priority, and the need for educators and legislators to encourage media literacy and critical thinking abilities. The study shed light on how the media landscape is changing and how this affects college students' consumption and distribution of news. In light of the findings, it was recommended that news organisations should put credibility and timely reporting first, and new media platforms should include elements that encourage media literacy and critical thinking, like fact-checking tools and critical commentary. Teachers and legislators were also urged to support students' development of media literacy and critical thinking abilities.