Undergraduates' Perceived Credibility of Political News on Nigerian News Blogs

Abstract

The digital transformation of the global economy has redefined the media landscape, with news consumption increasingly shifting from traditional outlets to online platforms. In Nigeria, news blogs such as Legit.ng, Nairaland, Naija News, Linda Ikeji, Bella Naija, and Gossip Mill Nigeria have become popular sources of political information. However, concerns persist regarding their credibility, accuracy, and influence on public opinion. Guided by Source Credibility Theory and Uses and Gratification Theory, this study investigates undergraduates’ perceptions of the credibility of Nigerian news blogs as platforms for political news. A descriptive research design was employed, and data were collected through structured questionnaire administered to 381 purposively selected respondents, comprising 300 students from Olabisi Onabanjo University and 81 from Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, Ogun State. Findings reveal Legit.ng as the most frequently accessed blog, followed by Linda Ikeji and Nairaland. Results further indicate that 67% of respondents perceive political news on blogs as credible, while 14.5% express dissatisfaction. Engagement is relatively high, with 75% of students sharing, liking, and commenting, though active participation in discussions remains limited. The study recommends the need for Nigerian news blogs to strengthen credibility through transparent editorial practices, fact-checking, and audience-driven feedback mechanisms, thereby enhancing trust and political engagement.