UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES

Media and the Society LCS

(How Does the Mass Media encourage Insecurity in Nigeria)
COURSE LECTURER: CLEMENT AFAMEFUNA ASADU
BY

IDUNG PRINCESS UDUAK MATRICULATION NUMBER U2008/1825738

OCTOBER , 2011.

IDUNG U PRINCESS, U2008/1825738. DEPT OF LINGUISTICS AND COMM. STUDIES, UNIPORT

How Does the Mass Media encourage Insecurity in Nigeria Introduction The Mass Media and the Society cannot be separated in the contemporary world. The Mass Media defines the whole gamut of communication media that impacts on every human being, either in the form of newspapers, magazines, television, films etc including the new media ie the internet and it various dimensions like, podcast, mobile telephones, webcast, emails including social media like, facebook, toggle, etc. The mass media and the effect on society is best explained by the special relationship between mass media and societal reality. This relationship is crucial, because the media explains the world and the actors therein to society. It explains the interaction between people and the expectations of the larger society. What we see in the mass media to a large extent is a reflection of the larger issues in the society. The media and the security challenge in Nigeria. From the forgoing, it is established that the mass media is a mirror reflection of the both the minor and larger issues in the society. However, in spite of the positive contributions of mass media to the advancement of the society, it is clear from various dimensions that, sometimes, the mass media itself is a contributory factor to the problem of insecurity. Lets at this point elucidate on some of the ways in which the mass media encourages insecurity in the country. 1.1. INFLAMATORY AND SENSATIONAL REPORTING The avalanche of inflammatory and sensational reporting of events by some sections of the mass media (newspapers and magazines) on happenings in and around the country (especially religious and ethnic crises) has contributed immensely to the problem of psychological and mental insecurity of Nigerians. This is a grave problem when viewed against the fact that insecurity exists at various levels (physical fear, mental fear, etc).
IDUNG U PRINCESS, U2008/1825738. DEPT OF LINGUISTICS AND COMM. STUDIES, UNIPORT

Sensational Reporting of grave events leads to a heightened state of insecurity amongst the populace.

1.2 PROPAGANDA AND FALSE REPORTING Deliberate misinformation and Disinformation to achieve a specific end and purpose (PROPAGANDA) by the mass media could lead to the problem of insecurity in the country. This is because falsehood that perpetrates hatred and acrimony fast tracks a regime of violence, which could lead to a vicious cycle of killings, (like the situation in JOS, PLATEU STATE)! 1.3 CULTURE OF VIOLENCE The mass media especially the movie and motion picture industry promotes a state of insecurity that begins in the minds of viewers. This constant barrage and DIET when pursued beyond a critical threshold actually leads to real insecurity in the country. Studies by experts in the developed world, has revealed that gun ridden AMERICAN SOCIETY, promoted by Hollywood culture of violent movies, has led to an increase in insecurity. The same can be said of Nigeria, where NOLLYWOOD is constantly promoting a culture of violence, thus contributing to the state of insecurity. 1.4 NEW MEDIA THREAT New Media is the term that describes traditional forms of media that have been transformed by advancements in digital technology and digital computing. Its contribution to the state of insecurity in Nigeria is evidenced in the increased cases of financial and economic scams (419) in the land. This form of insecurity is pronounced in the financial and economic sectors. Passwords and sensitive data are stolen by hackers and used to perpetrate crimes that make their victims insecure. 1.5 GSM TECHNOLOGY Advancements in mass media communication especially the GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR MOBILE (GSM) in Nigeria has aided criminals and criminal gangs in THE perpetuation of insecurity in Nigeria. Thieves and criminals have raided homes, factories, businesses and banks with the use of GSM PHONES. In fact, this ugly
IDUNG U PRINCESS, U2008/1825738. DEPT OF LINGUISTICS AND COMM. STUDIES, UNIPORT

trend contributed to the compulsory registration of GSM LINES by phone users, as ordered by the Nigerian Telecommunications Commission (NCC).

IDUNG U PRINCESS, U2008/1825738. DEPT OF LINGUISTICS AND COMM. STUDIES, UNIPORT