IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

RESEARCH JOURNAL OF MASS COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (RJMCIT )

E-ISSN 2545-529X
P-ISSN 2695-2475
VOL. 10 NO. 4 2024
DOI: 10.56201/rjmcit.v10.no4.2024.pg30.45

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Perception, Attitude and Psychological Impact on Media Coverage of Gunmen Attacks in Mushin Minority Community Area, Lagos State

Wellington, Ngozi PhD, Philip, Amune Asusheyi PhD, Njoku, Chioma PhD and Unigwe Betsy Ugochi

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Abstract

The media is generally assumed to give less coverage to issues and events in minority areas while prioritizing coverage of news for the affluent. This study investigates the perception, attitude and psychological impact of media coverage of gunmen attacks in the minority community area of Mushin in Lagos State. It examined the extent of public awareness and perception towards media coverage of gunmen attacks and its impact on the mental and emotional well-being of the people. Purposive sampling technique and survey were utilised for the study with questionnaire administered to 437 participants. The paper anchored on the agenda setting theory to explain how media coverage of gunmen attacks can direct discourse and other implications among residents. Findings revealed that people’s perception and awareness of media coverage of gunmen attacks is high. Social media is the most prominent and reliable source of information and the psychological impact of media coverage on residents manifested as trauma, fear and sadness. The study provides valuable insights into media coverage of sensitive issues like gunmen attacks in minority areas for media practitioners and policymakers to understand and address.

keywords:

Public perception; psychological impact; media coverage; gunmen attacks;

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