Abstract:
Data and information play a significant role in the functioning of the world. Out of the
total population, 4.64 million (23.2%) are youths in Sri Lanka, playing an essential
role in the economic, political, educational, and other sectors. Against this backdrop,
this study aims to identify the information-gathering sources used by youths in Sri
Lanka. This study adopts a quantitative research approach and collects primary data
using an online questionnaire (google form) with 500 Youths island-wide through
a convenient sampling method. According to the findings, 81.7% of youths use
the internet as their primary source of information, and all ethnicity youths use it
significantly (µ> 7). 79.3% of youths use social media for information gathering,
including Facebook, and Sinhalese youths (µ=7.34) are the most active among the
ethnic group. Television is watched by 63.8% of them, with Indian Tamil youths
(µ=5.94) watching the most. 56.4% actively seek information from friends and
family. This phenomenon is higher among Indian Tamils and Moors than in other
communities. 49.5% listen to the radio infrequently, while Indian Tamils (µ=5.73)
listen to it regularly for information. 34.38% read the daily newspaper frequently,
whereas others read it occasionally. 28.2% of youths are using tea stalls for collecting
and exchanging information. 70.8% of youngsters are not interested in attending
political or religious gatherings to obtain information. A significantly lower per centage of youths are identified in the Sinhala community (µ=2.83). Youths should
concentrate on traditional methods of gathering information and be aware of internet
access and safety mechanisms in Sri Lanka. Youths need to identify the ways which
help to get quality and reliable information for critical thinking and work effectively
for their development. Effective Information policies and qualities are vital to the
country’s sustainable development through an Information Management System.
