Abstract
The research paper delves into the increasing popularity and usage of social media platforms as a primary source of news among tech-savvy individuals in India. Through a collaborative study conducted by Nielsen and Absolut, it was found that a significant number of Indians are not only active on social networking sites but also spend more time on these platforms than on personal email. The study explores the motivations behind sharing news online, including factors such as information dissemination, entertainment, connection maintenance, perspective alteration, individuality assertion, and community belonging. Additionally, the research highlights the complex dynamics between traditional journalism and online news consumption, emphasizing the need to move beyond a strict media dichotomy and focus on the interactions between different actors in the media landscape. The study underscores the importance of social media verification in journalism, especially in the face of information overload and the rapid spread of rumors. By identifying user requirements and emerging verification practices, the research contributes to the development of innovative approaches to verifying content on social media platforms. Overall, the paper provides valuable insights into the evolving strategies employed by individuals to engage with news content in the digital age, shedding light on the pivotal role of social media as a primary source of information.