Indonesian Journal of Language and Communication Studies
Vol. 1 No. 3 (2026): Digital citizenship, identity, and public discourse in Indonesia

Digital media and sustainable development: A development communication perspective

Tope Joseph Olorunmola (Al-Hikmah University)
Bashir Amoda Ajijola (Al-Hikmah University)
Halimat Abdulrazak (Al-Hikmah University)
Khadijat Olubukola Saliu (Al-Hikmah University)
Fatimoh Zubair Shade (Kwara State Polytechnic)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Sep 2026

Abstract

Background: Digital media has become an increasingly important instrument for communication, social mobilisation and development in contemporary society. Objective: This paper examines the relationship between digital media and sustainable development from a development communication perspective, with particular attention to the Nigerian context. Method: The paper adopts a conceptual review approach to examine the meaning, characteristics and types of digital media and their potential contributions to sustainable development. Results: The review establishes that digital media is characterised by speed, accessibility, interactivity, multimedia capacity, user-generated content, wide geographical reach and rapid feedback, which enable individuals, governments, development agencies and communities to disseminate and access development-related information more efficiently. Social media, websites, online news platforms, blogs, podcasts, mobile applications, video-sharing platforms and digital streaming services are identified as major forms of digital media that provide opportunities for information dissemination, public education, knowledge sharing, social mobilisation, behavioural change and citizen participation, and that contribute to the economic, social, environmental and governance dimensions of sustainable development through entrepreneurship, education, health communication, environmental awareness, public participation and access to information. However, challenges such as misinformation, the digital divide, inadequate digital infrastructure, limited digital literacy and cybersecurity concerns may constrain its developmental impact. Novelty: This paper offers an integrated conceptual perspective that connects digital-media characteristics and typologies to the economic, social, environmental and governance dimensions of sustainable development within a development-communication framework specific to the Nigerian context.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijlc

Publisher

Subject

Description

Indonesian Journal of Language and Communication Studies is a double blind peer-reviewed scholarly journal that publishes original research articles and critical studies in the fields of language and communication. This journal is published as a platform for the dissemination of theoretical, ...