INSTAGRAM VS. NEWSPAPERS AS SOURCES OF NEWS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY AMONG JOURNALISM STUDENTS IN GUWAHATI

Abstract

This paper investigates the contrasting roles of Instagram and Newspapers as news sources among journalism students in Guwahati. Utilizing a quantitative survey of 101 undergraduates and postgraduates, the study examines platform preferences, influencing factors, and perceptions regarding credibility, engagement, and career alignment. Results reveal a strong generational shift toward Instagram, with 69.3% favoring it for ease of access, entertainment, and engaging storytelling, while newspapers remain preferred for in-depth analysis and credibility with 64.4% and 72.3% respectively valuing these aspects. Instagram is the go-to platform for human interest and entertainment news, whereas newspapers are used primarily for political reporting and hard news. Despite a slight professional tilt toward Instagram, students recognize the continued relevance of traditional journalism. The findings indicate that the future of news consumption and journalism education in Guwahati is envisioned as hybrid, integrating the immediacy and visual strengths of social media with the analytical rigor and trustworthiness of traditional media. The study highlights the necessity for journalism curricula to bridge digital and conventional domains, preparing students with skills for a convergent media landscape.