Reliance of faculty members at the University of Bahrain on social media for obtaining political information

Abstract

The research titled "Reliance of Faculty Members at the University of Bahrain on Social Media for Obtaining Political Information" delves into the profound impact of social media on academic professionals. This study aims to systematically investigate the extent to which faculty members utilize these platforms as a primary source for political information and to analyze how this reliance influences their academic performance. Employing a descriptive analytical methodology, data were collected from a random sample of faculty members, providing a comprehensive overview of their social media engagement. The findings reveal that a significant majority of participants dedicate between two to four hours daily to social media, with Facebook emerging as the preferred platform for political discourse. Notably, political analyses were identified as the most sought-after type of information. However, concerns were raised regarding the credibility of the information accessed, with participants highlighting the prevalence of misleading content. In light of these findings, the study highlights the urgent need to increase awareness about the credibility of online political information. It also advocates for further research to explore the implications of social media reliance on academic performance and the broader educational landscape. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the intersection of social media, politics, and education, offering valuable insights for academics and policymakers alike.