The Impact of Multimedia Elements on the Social Media News Comprehension among Malaysia Young Adults

Zuraili, Nabilah Syuhada (2024) The Impact of Multimedia Elements on the Social Media News Comprehension among Malaysia Young Adults. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

This study aims to determine how impactful multimedia elements are on social media news platforms like Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, and X, comprehension among Malaysia young adults. A quantitative research design was employed, utilising a sample size of 166 respondents, with data gathered and analysed using SPSS software. The findings reveal a varied response to the effectiveness of visual content in news comprehension. Approximately 50.6% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that videos enhance their understanding; however, 25.9% disagreed, indicating different learning preferences. While 62.1% found infographics helpful for understanding the main points of the news and 63.9% believed that charts and graphs enhanced understanding, mixed views on images were noted. Concerning the influence of algorithms, 44% agreed that social media algorithms limit exposure to a wider range of news sources, with 59.5% feeling they encounter repetitive content. Furthermore, 61.3% believed social media platforms prioritise trending news, reinforcing echo chambers. Regarding language preferences, 50% of young adults in Malaysia prefer English for news consumption, with 60.2% indicating that language affects comprehension. The study concludes that videos, infographics, and charts/graphs significantly enhance news understanding among Malaysian young adults. Additionally, the influence of algorithms contributes to echo chambers, limiting exposure to diverse news sources, while language preferences notably impact comprehension.