Factors Influencing the Libyan Audience’s Reliance on Social Media as an Information Source During Crises: An Exploratory Study on a Sample of Benghazi Residents
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36602/famj.2017.4.7Keywords:
Factors, Credibility, Social Media, Libyan AudienceAbstract
The credibility of a medium is considered one of the most influential factors affecting its usage level and the degree of reliance on it as a source of information. To determine the credibility level of new media in light of the multiplicity of information sources, it is necessary to explore the main factors influencing the perceived credibility of these platforms through scientific research and studies.
This study revealed that the key indicators of the credibility of social networks for the Libyan audience include their ability to provide information supported by photos and videos, offering more freedom compared to traditional media, and delivering up-to-date information. Furthermore, interactivity and the opportunity for live participation in expressing opinions were found to be among the most significant indicators of credibility.
The study also found that the main motivations behind the reliance on social media as an information source during crises include the fulfillment of cognitive and ritualistic objectives. Among the most prominent effects of this reliance are that the information available on social media enables users to take a stance on the crisis, creates a sense of direct impact by the crisis, helps reduce the perceived magnitude of the crisis, increases awareness of the crisis’s scope, clarifies ambiguities surrounding the crisis, and alleviates fears associated with crisis-related risks.