Data Journalism, Millennials & Social Networks

Dissertação apresentada à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para a obtenção do grau de Mestre em Ciências da Comunicação, ramo de Jornalismo

Data is a term that is currently making massive waves amongst media and news media. With stories like the Iraq War Logs, it made its way onto the journalistic stage. Due to that, the purpose of this thesis is to investigate the characteristics of data journalism and its effects on journalism. Therefore, the related project is designed to make use of current models in order to find out what it takes through practical use. Furthermore, the conducted case study aims to determine the usage and acceptance by the audience of the social network Twitter and in particular the Millennials. The subject of the study was the produced visual data outcome and the feedback given by citizens and especially consumers/ users of Twitter. The data for the study was gathered through a quantitative image type analysis and the record of retweets and favorites. These data support the view that data journalism with its visual results appeal to the audience and the characteristics of the Millennials. Additionally, it was concluded that the basic attitude of journalists will not change but the tools and skills need to be implemented in the newsroom and the work process of the storytelling journalist that, as a result, will promote watchdog and citizen journalism.