Exploring News Consumption Patterns of Female Digital Natives in Abuja

The emergence of technology has given rise to a shift in the news consumption patterns of media audiences. This study examined the news consumption patterns of Nigeria’s female digital natives, focusing on their preferred media platforms, news interests, attitudes toward traditional and digital sources, and the influence of social media on their news consumption patterns. Guided by Uses and Gratifications and Technological Determinism theories, the study adopted a quantitative survey design, with a sample size of 176. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from female digital natives in Abuja Municipal Area Council. The findings revealed a strong preference for digital platforms such as Instagram, driven by accessibility, interactivity and real-time updates. The findings also indicated that respondents had greater interest in soft news, such as entertainment and lifestyle, than in hard news, such as politics or business. The study further found that while female digital natives actively select news to satisfy personal needs, their habits are shaped by digital technologies and algorithmic structures. It therefore concluded that the behaviour of female digital natives represents a shift from passive consumption toward interactive, personalised and algorithmically mediated news experiences. The study recommends that traditional and online news outlets increase their presence and engagement on social media platforms where female digital natives are most active in order to enhance their growing interest in news consumption. Guided by Uses and Gratifications and Technological Determinism theories, the study adopted a quantitative survey design, with a sample size of 176. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from female digital natives in Abuja Municipal Area Council. The findings revealed a strong preference for digital platforms such as Instagram, driven by accessibility, interactivity and real-time updates. The findings also indicated that respondents had greater interest in soft news, such as entertainment and lifestyle, than in hard news, such as politics or business. The study further found that while female digital natives actively select news to satisfy personal needs, their habits are shaped by digital technologies and algorithmic structures. It therefore concluded that the behaviour of female digital natives represents a shift from passive consumption toward interactive, personalised and algorithmically mediated news experiences. The study recommends that traditional and online news outlets increase their presence and engagement on social media platforms where female digital natives are most active in order to enhance their growing interest in news consumption.