Impact of Information Media on Information Needs and Seeking Behaviour of Tricycle Riders in Osubi Axis, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of information media on information needs and seeking behavior of tricycle riders in Osubi Axis, Delta State, Nigeria. It employed the use of descriptive survey design. The total population for this study is 87 comprising the commercial tricycle riders in Osubi Axis. The entire 87 commercial tricycle riders were selected using the total enumeration sampling technique due to the small size of the population A questionnaire was used to elicit data from the respondents, and simple percentage and frequency counts used to analyze data generated. The findings reveal that the major information sought by tricycle riders in Osubi Axis include information about more lucrative and safe routes; spare parts and repairs and, traffic regulations using majorly phones, radio, and social media. They also sought  information to avoid harassment from policemen, keep abreast with lucrative routes/opportunities, be conversant with traffic situations and road safety practices. Through the use of information media, tricycle riders get authentic and cheaper mechanical parts, keeping abreast with current information among others. The study identifies inadequate knowledge of computers/internet, inability to access newspapers/magazines as major challenges encountered by tricycle riders in the course of using different information media in meeting their information needs. It is imperative that tricycle riders make use of the different information media available to keep them abreast with the necessary information needed to function effectively in their business, and keep them out of trouble with the authorities. This study, therefore, recommends that government should collaborate with tricycle riders' associations to provide them with timely and accurate information on government policies, traffic regulations, and road safety practices.