IRAQI JOURNALISTS' ADOPTION OF THE HASHTAG FEATURE "#" ON FACEBOOK FOR ACCESSING NEWS AND INFORMATION A SURVEY STUDY FOR THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2023, TO JANUARY 31, 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the extent of interest among Iraqi journalists in using the hashtag feature on Facebook to access news and information. The study uses a descriptive survey methodology and a questionnaire to collect information and data. The questionnaire was distributed to a sample representing (10%) of the total population, which amounts to (850). The selected sample consists of (85) journalists, including (65) male journalists and (20) female journalists working in the Journalists Syndicate in Baghdad. Among the study's key findings is that Iraqi journalists show significant interest in following the hashtag feature on Facebook to obtain news and information, with a percentage of (41.1%). The study also reveals that Iraqi journalists have a high level of trust in the news published through the hashtag feature on Facebook, accounting for (38.9%). Furthermore, (51.8%) of the study sample is interested in political topics, reflecting the ongoing changes and events in forming new local governments. Additionally, sports topics received attention, accounting for (25.9%), coinciding with the launch of the Asia and Africa football championships