INFLUENCE OF PODCAST ENGAGEMENT AND INFORMATION CONSUMPTION ON TEENAGERS IN WARRI

This study examined the influence of podcast engagement and information consumption on teenagers in Warri, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design, using both physical and digital structured questionnaires to gather data from 400 teenagers selected through Taro Yamane’s formula. The objectives were to assess the frequency of podcast use, identify the types of information consumed, and determine the extent to which podcasts influence teenagers’ knowledge, beliefs, and behavior. Findings revealed that 72.5% of the respondents listened to podcasts at least once a week, with 64.3% accessing them primarily via smartphones. Over 58% reported spending between 30 minutes to 1 hour daily listening to podcasts. Educational (34.8%) and entertainment (31.5%) content were the most frequently consumed, and 61.2% of respondents considered podcast information to be accurate and trustworthy. Additionally, 67.4% of respondents admitted that podcasts had influenced their opinions or beliefs, while 59.7% said their behavior had been positively impacted. Furthermore, 54.9% stated that they had gained new knowledge or skills from podcast content, and 48.6% shared podcast content regularly with peers or family. The study concludes that podcast engagement significantly shapes the informational habits, perceptions, and personal development of teenagers in Warri. It recommends that podcast creators focus on youth-centered content that promotes education, empowerment, and entrepreneurship. Schools and community-based programs should also leverage podcasts as tools for digital learning and youth engagement. Keywords: Podcast engagement, Teenagers, Information consumption, Warri, Digital media, Youth development