Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial

New Media and the Rise of Citizen Journalism

Ololo Stephanie Ola — 2026-04-02

The emergence of new media has significantly transformed the landscape of journalism and public communication across the world. With the rise of digital technologies, social networking sites, blogs, online forums, and mobile communication devices, ordinary citizens now play active roles in gathering, producing, and disseminating news. This development has given birth to citizen journalism, a form of journalistic practice in which non-professionals participate directly in the reporting of events and issues affecting society. Unlike traditional journalism, which is often controlled by professional gatekeepers and institutional routines, citizen journalism thrives on immediacy, accessibility, interactivity, and user-generated content. The paper adopted quantitative method using survey and questionnaire was used as an instrument of data collection. This paper examines how new media has facilitated the growth of citizen journalism, its contributions to democratic participation, information sharing, and social accountability, as well as the challenges associated with misinformation, lack of professionalism, ethical concerns, and weak regulatory mechanisms. The study argues that while citizen journalism has expanded the frontiers of freedom of expression and diversified news production, it also raises critical questions about credibility, verification, and responsibility in the digital age. The paper concludes that citizen journalism has grown considerably in Nigeria due to the widespread availability of digital technologies and social media platforms. These tools have enabled ordinary citizens to participate actively in news reporting, public debate, and civic engagement.

Cultivating Scientific Leadership: A Strategic Imperative for Ethiopian Applied Universities in the 21st Century

Belay Sitotaw Goshu — 2026-04-18

Ethiopian applied universities have expanded rapidly over the past two decades, yet institutional leadership often undervalues scientific research, undermining innovation capacity and alignment with national development goals. This article argues that cultivating scientific leadership defined as leaders’ capacity to value, invest in, and strategically leverage science is a strategic imperative for Ethiopian applied universities in the 21st century. Drawing on literature from higher education leadership, science policy, and Ethiopian educational development, this conceptual analysis synthesizes empirical evidence from cited studies and policy documents to examine barriers and propose strategic pathways. The analysis reveals four principal findings: (1) leadership structures undervalue research despite STI policy commitments; (2) student–staff ratios averaging 75.9:1 constrain faculty research engagement; (3) institutional KPIs allocate only 8% weight to research metrics; and (4) industry linkages remain dominated by internships (95%) rather than R&D partnerships (20%). Cultivating scientific leadership requires phased governance reforms, aligned incentives, immersive leadership development, and cultural transformation. Policymakers and institutional leaders must prioritize research capacity building, restructure governance to elevate scientific expertise, and realign performance metrics to reward research productivity.

The Kenotic Matrix of Reconciliation : Subverting Status and Domination in the Epistle to Philemon

Ramarolahy Patricia Josette — 2026-06-11

This article offers a theological, exegetical, and socio-ethical reading of the Epistle to Philemon through the interpretive lens of kenosis, arguing that Christian reconciliation is fundamentally grounded in a voluntary self-emptying modeled after Christ. Often marginalized within the Pauline corpus as a merely private correspondence, Philemon is reinterpreted here as a profound theological laboratory of reconciliation wherein human dependencies are transformed through the evangelical logic of fraternity, humility, and sacrificial service. Adopting an interdisciplinary methodology that integrates historical-critical exegesis, socio-rhetorical analysis, and Pauline systematic theology, this study highlights a intersecting threefold kenotic dynamic involving Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus. Paul, acting as apostle and mediator, voluntarily divests himself of his institutional prerogatives, choosing instead a pastoral posture grounded in agapē, fraternal persuasion, and vulnerable mediation. By identifying with Onesimus and assuming his financial liabilities, Paul embodies the downward trajectory of Christ the servant. Philemon, conversely, is summoned to transcend his legally protected rights as a Roman master to welcome Onesimus no longer as a reified commodity, but as an absolute brother in Christ. Concurrently, Onesimus consents to return voluntarily, entering into a posture of structural accountability and relational restoration. This triple kenotic matrix demonstrates that authentic Christian reconciliation (katallagē) cannot exist without a voluntary renunciation of power, privilege, and systemic structures of domination. The study further demonstrates that while Paul refrains from an explicit juridical condemnation of imperial slavery, the baptismal sociology promoted in the letter introduces a subversive theological dynamic capable of progressively deconstructing social hierarchies from within. Finally, the article outlines generative perspectives for contemporary moral theology, pastoral leadership, conflict mediation, and restorative justice practices, establishing kenosis as a permanent theological criterion for genuine reconciliation and ecclesial communion.

The Role of Social Media in Marital Dissolution in Ethiopia: Impacts and Implications

Belay Sitotaw Goshu — 2026-06-15

Ethiopia’s high marital dissolution rate (45% within 30 years) is exacerbated by social media’s growing influence, with 42.2 million internet users by 2023. Platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp contribute to marital conflicts, amplified by cultural and gender norms. This study investigated social media’s role in marital problems in Ethiopia, examining platforms, conflict types, cultural influences, urban-rural differences, and intervention feasibility to inform evidence-based solutions. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used, involving 400 survey respondents (50% male, 50% female; 200 urban, 200 rural) and 20 semi-structured interviews (10 urban, 10 rural; 50% female). Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 27) with chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis with NVivo. Social media, particularly Facebook and WhatsApp, drives 68% of reported marital conflicts, including jealousy (51%), infidelity suspicions (37%), and communication breakdowns (32%). Urban couples face higher conflict prevalence (75%) than rural ones (61%) due to greater platform access. Patriarchal and collectivist norms amplify conflicts, with women reporting more jealousy. Digital literacy (M=4.12) and counseling (M=3.98) were rated highly effective interventions. Social media significantly undermines marital stability in Ethiopia, with urban areas and women most affected. Cultural norms exacerbate conflicts, but digital literacy and counseling offer viable mitigation strategies. Implement urban-focused digital literacy programs, gender-sensitive counseling, and community-based workshops, supported by enhanced content moderation in local languages.