We Are Not Parasites: Intergroup Differentiation in the User-Generated Content of Nigerian News Media
Journal: Media Watch (Vol.10, No. 1)Publication Date: 2019-01-01
Authors : BABATUNDE RAPHAEL OJEBUYI; ABIODUN SALAWU;
Page : 145-164
Keywords : Intergroup discrimination; negative discourse; Nigerian news media; online community; user- generated content;
Abstract
Studies have shown that despite the freedom of content creation and democratic participation, the digital space has also provided platforms for negative discourse with far-reaching implications for national unity and democracy. However, scant scholarly attention has been given to the prevalence and nature of online negative discourse in a pluralistic and politically complex society like Nigeria. Therefore, anchored on the Social Identity Theory (SIT), this study examined forms of intergroup discrimination as a negative discourse in the user-generated content (UGC) of online platforms of select Nigerian news media. Textual analysis of the UGC shows that as users react to news stories about national issues, they also create contents that reflect group identities and intergroup prejudices characterising Nigeria as a country with fragile unity. This phenomenon is a new socio-cultural order that poses serious threats to the peaceful co-existence and future of Nigeria—a nation grappling with sundry political, ethno-religious and security challenges.
Other Latest Articles
- Israeli Media Gatekeeper during Gaza War 2014 Coverage: Case of Study of Yedioth Ahronoth Newspaper
- Undressing the Words: Prevalence of Profanity, Misogyny, Violence, and Gender Role References in Popular Music from 2006-2016
- MODERN TRENDS IN THE GLOBAL MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS MARKET
- IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BUDGET OF PARTICIPATION IN UKRAINE (IN CASE OF TERNOPIL)
- IMPACT OF CYCLICITY ON THE BANKS LENDING INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE
Last modified: 2019-05-13 21:17:27