Perception and Utilization of Social Media Health Messages on COVID 19 among Undergraduate Students in Anambra State

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue X, October 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Perception and Utilization of Social Media Health Messages on COVID 19 among Undergraduate Students in Anambra State

Adaobi Olivia Okeke¹, Linda Nnenna Ikechukwu², Lilian Chinazom Ajagu^{3
1, 3}Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
²Department of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Nigeria

Abstract: Social Media is a crucial means of disseminating information to the general public; and as a result regarded as a powerful tool of propaganda. In the Nigerian sphere of communication, it acts as a double-edged sword in the sense that it permits citizens to be aware of certain information without restrictions. In the peak of the covid 19 pandemic in Nigeria, a lot of health information concerning this disease has been passed across through the social media. Studies have proven that Nigerian youths utilize social media especially for information and entertainment purposes. This study therefore sought to find out how undergraduate students in Anambra State who are youths perceive these social media information on covid 19 and if they actually utilize the covid health information they read on social media. The study interrogated the social media platform they utilize to get these health messages. The study adopted the Survey research design and the questionnaire was used as the research instrument of data collection. The study was anchored on the Channel Complementarity Theory which states that individuals who are motivated to acquire information about an issue will use all sources that are perceived to fulfill that information need. The study concludes that the significance of social media outlets cannot be overemphasized with recourse to information dissemination. It also purports that these platforms have been abused as people hide under its anonymity to spread fake messages and instigate panic amongst members of the general public but is still being used for accessing health messages on covid inspite of this negative trend.

Key Words: Perception, Utilization, Social Media, Health Information, Covid 19.

I. INTRODUCTION

The emergence of the digital era of communication has brought about a lot of changes as regards information dissemination and acquisition. Prior to the arrival of new media, the major source of information dissemination especially that of health information were mostly done by health practitioners who are experts in the field. Availability of health information on social media has brought a modification to the existing situation as the social media presents more options for acquiring desired health information. Even the role of social media networks in healthcare has been depicted as crucial throughout a patient’s journey by reason of its expansion on the habit of discussing healthcare with family and friends.

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