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; Unigwe Betsy Ugochi

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

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;

References

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

Abstract

Keywords

References

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