Impact of Social Media on News Consumption: Shaping How Audiences Access and Perceive Information

Social media has revolutionized the way audiences access and perceive news, transforming platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram into powerful tools for real-time information dissemination. With the global number of social media users expected to reach 5.42 billion by 2025, these platforms have become indispensable for engaging audiences and raising awareness on a massive scale.

At ST PAULS COLLEGE, Bengaluru, students in Journalism and Mass Communication programs are equipped with the skills to navigate this rapidly evolving media landscape. The comprehensive curriculum covers essential aspects of news production, including print and magazine design, graphic design, and tools like Photoshop and InDesign. Advanced television production is taught in a state-of-the-art studio featuring teleprompters, 4K cameras, professional lighting, soundproofing, and audio consoles.

In addition to traditional media training, students delve into contemporary practices like photojournalism, film production, corporate communication, public relations, and digital content creation. The program emphasizes the role of journalists as stewards of truth, integrity, and public trust, underscoring the enduring importance of journalism as the fourth estate.

Social media platforms have democratized news production and consumption. The concept of citizen journalism empowers individuals to report on events that impact their lives directly, breaking news from virtually anywhere and delivering it to audiences instantly. Prominent figures, including the nation’s Prime Minister, utilize social media and podcasts to engage with the public and discuss critical issues like nation-building.

Even established journalists, such as Ramon Magsaysay Award winner Ravish Kumar, are leveraging platforms like YouTube to reach broader audiences. This shift from traditional media to digital spaces highlights the growing influence of social media in shaping public discourse.

Social media’s accessibility and immediacy have profoundly impacted how the public accesses and consumes news. By fostering real-time engagement and enabling diverse voices, it has expanded the scope of public awareness and education. Explore how social media shapes the future of journalism and join the journey of innovation and excellence at ST PAULS COLLEGE, Bengaluru.