Examining the Impact of ICT on Citizen Journalism through the Lens of End SARS and Bring Back Our Girls Protests
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Abstract
The advent of information and communication technology (ICT) has significantly transformed various aspects of human activity, including journalism. By empowering ordinary citizens to actively participate in the journalistic process, ICT has revolutionized the production, dissemination, and consumption of news. Grounded in the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM), this study examines the impact of ICT use by citizen journalists on journalism practice and its implications for traditional media in Nigeria, using the #BringBackOurGirls and #EndSARS movements as case studies. The study highlights the evolving dynamics between ICT and citizen journalism. Findings reveal that ICT-enabled citizen journalism surpasses traditional media in terms of reach and speed, facilitating global awareness, mobilizing international support, and exerting pressure on leadership. The study recommends that traditional media integrate the strengths of citizen journalism to enhance news production and dissemination. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of rigorous verification processes by citizen journalists to maintain relevance, integrity, and credibility.
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