Uncovering the factors influencing the technological adaptation of twitter usage among journalists in the transforming journalism practice

Abstract

The increased usage of digital technologies has radically impacted the journalism profession across the globe. This qualitative study focuses on the factors influencing the technological adaptation of Twitter usage among journalists in the transforming journalism practice. To gain insights on the central focus of this study, ten (10) local news journalists at the News and Current Affairs Media Prima Berhad (NCA MPB) with professional profiles on Twitter were interviewed. Data analysis were conducted simultaneously with data collection and the NVivo 10 software was used in the coding process. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. Findings revealed THREE (3) significant themes that contributed to the technological adaptation of Twitter usage among journalists, as follows; (i) willingness to collaborate (ii) technology acceptance gap, and (iii) institutional readiness and encouragement, which plays a salient role in facilitating the adoption process as well as bridging the technological gap among the journalists. An interesting finding in this present study warrants that institutional readiness is necessary to understand journalist's propensity to embrace and use cuttingedge technologies, from being a conventional journalist to adapt self and engage in the digital realm. With the blossoming platforms due to online boom and social media, journalists must embrace technology as an enabler for their professional relevance and the news industry survival. In conclusion, the institutional readiness is therefore necessary to ascertain the journalist's propensity to embrace the cutting-edge technologies in performing their challenging role in the changing media industry today.