Journalism students use social media but not to produce "news-like content"

Some interesting conclusions from research into the use of social media by 105 New Zealand journalism students in April 2010.  

• "In general we concluded from these data that our students are accomplished users of social networking and sharing content with their online friends and acquaintances; however, they are less engaged with producing news-like content for an audience outside their immediate peers."

• "This cohort is not comfortable with publicly expressing themselves via Twitter, or blogs, and tends to maintain high levels of privacy in Facebook interactions; for example, being selective about who they ‘‘friend’’ on the site."

• "we also noted only a very small number are building websites, blogging or uploading multimedia content."

• "...Our final question sought responses to the idea that social media sites can be useful tools for journalists. Nearly all respondents answered positively to this question (99 responses; 94.3 per cent). The positive responses can be classified generally in terms of social media providing access to news and news-like information; providing new ways of networking and seeking contacts or sources for stories and social media providing forums for discussion of topical issues."

The paper, written by Martin Hirst and Greg Treadwell, is entitled 'Blogs Bother Me'. It's available with an Athens account or institutional log in from InformaWorld.