From Traditional Prints to Digital Formats: Investigating Electronic News Consumption Patterns among Generation Z Students in Nigerian Universities

Abstract

This study investigates the patterns of electronic news consumption among Generation Z students in Nigerian universities. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Data were collected from 261 undergraduates across five purposively selected Nigerian universities using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed for summarizing responses, while Spearman correlation and an independent samples t -test were used to test the hypotheses. Findings reveal a strong preference for electronic news over print, with web-based platforms, blogs, and social media being the most used sources. However, challenges such as high data costs, poor connectivity, and exposure to misinformation significantly impacted usage. Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between students’ age, level of study, and electronic news patronage, and a significant gender difference in readership frequency, favoring male students. The study concludes that while Generation Z students are frequent users of digital news, their engagement is shaped by economic and demographic realities.