TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNET-RELATED INFORMATION BEHAVIORS OF PRINT JOURNALISTS IN KUWAIT
This study focused on journalists, who are constantly seeking, processing, evaluating and packaging information, in order to shed light on their information behaviors, and contribute to the development of efficient information behaviors. The examination focused on the information behaviors of journalists as they relate to the Internet and information technologies.
The population included all print journalists in Kuwait, and was examined using a self-administered questionnaire and interviews by E-mail. Information behaviors were examined from three perspectives: Access and Internet usage, evaluation and purpose, and information technology skills. Access and Internet usage was related to obstacles preventing Internet use, and usage patterns of popular Internet applications such as E-mail. Evaluation and purpose was related to information evaluation criteria, the Internet for conducting journalistic tasks, and the use of the Internet to seek specific types of information. In terms of skills, the examination focused on the skills of journalists in using 21 information technology tools and applications, and their usage patterns of information technology devices.
Results showed that print journalists in Kuwait were lacking efficient information behaviors in relations to the Internet and information technology. Their usage of the Internet was limited to the most popular applications such as E-mail, search engines, and the World Wide Web. Female journalists were found to be more skilled, and more utilizing, of the Internet than males. Data revealed a large gap in terms of information behaviors between the youngest journalists and the rest of the population. The youngest journalists were found to be more skilled in using the Internet, and relied more heavily on the medium than others. Other results showed that graduates from educational institutions in Kuwait, and Kuwaiti citizens, relied more heavily on the Internet for conducting journalistic tasks than others.
Further, results identified age, educational level, journalism experience and Internet experience as important factors that affected information behaviors. Improved behaviors for journalists in Kuwait require interventions on three fronts: education and curricula, training, and workplace practices. These interventions can pave the way for an efficient journalism industry in Kuwait which utilizes the Internet and information technology to its benefit.
Advisor:Laurence Glasco; Sherry Koshman; Stuart Shulman; Ellen Detlefsen
School:University of Pittsburgh
School Location:USA - Pennsylvania
Source Type:Master's Thesis
Keywords:library and information science
Date of Publication:01/30/2007