Use of Web 2.0 Tools by National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members for social integration: a case of Lapai Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State

Abstract

The research work x-rayed the use of Web 2.0 tools by Corps members in Lapai LGA of Niger State. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Questionnaire was used to elicit responses from the respondents. A sample size of 120 was drawn from a population of 138, using the random sampling technique. Of the 120 copies of the questionnaire administered, 108 copies were retrieved and used for analysis. The research findings show that the commonly used Web 2.0 tools by Corps members in Lapai LGA are Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Podcasts, LinkedIn, IMO and Skype. The respondents used Web 2.0 tools frequently, and the purposes for which the tools are used include social interactions, live video chats, for economic activities, etc. The study showed that web 2.0 tools are useful because of their ‘easy to use’, ‘interactivity’, ‘social collaborative features’ and ‘updated in real-time’. Further revelations from the study showed constraints militating against the use of Web 2.0 tools include are high cost of data subscription, poor network signals and connectivity, addiction, high cost of support facilities and gadgets. The study however recommends that youths should explore Web 2.0 tools for academic and economic purposes while network providers and government should make the cyberspace affordable and safe.

Keywords: Web 2.0, Corps members, Lapai LGA, Niger State, Youths