User’s Perceptions of Social Media Coverage of Sports Activities: a Case Study of Facebook
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The objective of the study is to find out users perceptions of social media coverage of sports activities. Using facebook as a case study. The specific objectives of the study are;
- To ascertain how facebook facilitate sports activities in Nigeria.
- To find out the perception of facebook users on interactivity and behavior toward sport activities.
- To find out which critical factors inhibit effective use of facebook coverage for sports activities in Nigeria.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Conceptual framework
Social media
“Social media are online communications that use special techniques that involve participation, conversation, sharing, collaboration, and linkage” (Dominick, 2011, p. 25). They “are online networks used to reach friends, generate new friends and share experiences, information and insights” (Fills, 2009, p. 796). Social media “focus on building and reflecting of social relations among people who share interest and activities” (Wikipedia, 2008). They provide a platform for users to share information, ideas, interest, and experiences without the constraints of language, ethics affiliation, culture, geography, or time. Social media provide opportunities for individuals to use a multimedia mix of text, pictures, videos, and audio to interact, share, and discuss information about subjects, issues, and ideas of common interest. The sports industry has witnessed remarkable changes since the emergence of social media. The new media including 2go, LinkedIn, whatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Foursquare, Google+, Blogs, live chats and Pinterest to mention a few, have not only widened the spectrum and method of sports communication but have brought new possibilities or opportunities in their wake. Rothschild (2011), in a survey observed that there has been an increase in social media use for sports communication in recent times leading to a massive decline of the traditional mass media. Rothschild noted that the decline of the traditional communication methods is traceable to the rising profile of social media especially their ability to facilitate fan interaction and commentary.
Chapter Three
Research methodology
Research Design
The research design adopted in this research work is the survey research design which involves the usage of self-designed questionnaire in the collection of data. Under the survey research design, primary data of this study will be collected from selected facebook users in Ikeja, Lagos state in order to determine Users perceptions of social media coverage of sports activities: A case study of Facebook. The design was chosen because it enables the researcher to collect data without manipulation of any variables of interest in the study. The design also provides opportunity for equal chance of participation in the study for respondents.
Population of Study
The population of study is the census of all items or a subject that possess the characteristics or that have the knowledge of the phenomenon that is being studied (Asiaka, 1991). It also means the aggregate people from which the sample is to be drawn.
Population is sometimes referred to as the universe. The population of this research study will be Seventy-five (75) selected facebook users in Ikeja, Lagos stat
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter is about the analysis and presentation of data collected from the field through questionnaire. The analysis of the data with particular question immediately followed by the presentation of findings.
As mentioned in chapter three, 63 questionnaires were administered and 50 were retrieved and necessary analysis was carried out on them and presented as follows:
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Users perceptions of social media coverage of sports activities: A case study of Facebook. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of Users perceptions of social media coverage of sports activities.
Summary
This study was on Users perceptions of social media coverage of sports activities: A case study of Facebook. Three objectives were raised which included: To ascertain how facebook facilitate sports activities in Nigeria, to find out the perception of facebook users on interactivity and behavior toward sport activities and to find out which critical factors inhibit effective use of facebook coverage for sports activities in Nigeria. The total population for the study is 63 selected facebook users in Ikeya, Lagos state. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies
Conclusion
Despite the several factors that hinder the use of social media for sports communication, the application has been considerably successful. Moreover, with the rate at which the new technology is penetrating our sports communities, it is hoped that the sports industry in Nigeria
Recommendation
There should be increased enlightenment and education of the public on the potentials or imperatives of social media for sports communication.
- There should be adequate social media facilities and affordable service charges by providers.
- Online communities should be developed specifically for sports communication in Nigeria.
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