Influence Of social Media Networks on the flow of International Communication
INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKS ON THE FLOW OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION
ABSTRACT:
This paper examines the changes that social media has brought into the international communication process. The argument here is that there has been a major shift in the information flow debate due to the great influence of the social media: this influence is necessitated by the interactive and participatory nature of the social media network, which has encouraged citizen journalism. However, social media has not truly addressed the issue of imbalance as most of the booming social media platforms are still owned and controlled by the first world countries. As a recommendation, the paper proposes that third world countries take advantage of the flexibility inherent in the social media networks to tell their stories. They should exploit these media in image rebranding thus bridging the gap in international communication. It also called for a rethink in the information flow debate considering the great changes brought about by the social media.
KEY WORDS: International Communication, Social Media, Citizen Journalism, News flow Debate, Imbalance
INTRODUCTION
Communication is a vital aspect of human life. It is the exchange of ideas and opinions between and among people. This communication can take place face-to-face or through a channel. International communication can therefore, be described as the form of communication that takes place across borders i.e. between different countries or continents.
International communication is very important in global relationships because the world is now interdependent, so countries need mutual interaction and understanding with one another. This trans-border communication is tightly hinged the united nation declarations of human rights which freedom of information is part of. This has necessitated a free flow of information between countries.
This flow of news and information
ABSTRACT:
This paper examines the changes that social media has brought into the international communication process. The argument here is that there has been a major shift in the information flow debate due to the great influence of the social media: this influence is necessitated by the interactive and participatory nature of the social media network, which has encouraged citizen journalism. However, social media has not truly addressed the issue of imbalance as most of the booming social media platforms are still owned and controlled by the first world countries. As a recommendation, the paper proposes that third world countries take advantage of the flexibility inherent in the social media networks to tell their stories. They should exploit these media in image rebranding thus bridging the gap in international communication. It also called for a rethink in the information flow debate considering the great changes brought about by the social media.
KEY WORDS: International Communication, Social Media, Citizen Journalism, News flow Debate, Imbalance
INTRODUCTION
Communication is a vital aspect of human life. It is the exchange of ideas and opinions between and among people. This communication can take place face-to-face or through a channel. International communication can therefore, be described as the form of communication that takes place across borders i.e. between different countries or continents.
International communication is very important in global relationships because the world is now interdependent, so countries need mutual interaction and understanding with one another. This trans-border communication is tightly hinged the united nation declarations of human rights which freedom of information is part of. This has necessitated a free flow of information between countries.
This flow of news and information
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