Author(s) :

Philip, O. P., Ochonma, J.U., Onyemaechi,C.I.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Irrespective of how journalism and media reports are structured, truth, objectivity, and accuracy are expected to remain the cornerstone, as media reports have the power to make, mar, incite, and pacify. This paper, therefore, examines the conflicting roles the media play due to factors such as media ownership, the proliferation of media houses with differing ideologies, and citizen journalism, all of which affect objective reporting and lead to conflicting information. It also considers how these conflicting reports impact human psychology, resulting in psychological stress, while emphasizing that such media anomalies are not confined to a specific area, as they extend into sensitive matters such as national security. These conflicts further shape public perception of the media’s involvement in addressing insecurity and fostering national development. The study also highlights how insecurity has increasingly become a significant barrier to development in many nations, including Nigeria, where political instability, economic fluctuations, and social fragmentation heighten the influence of media messages. As the media shifts between acting as a watchdog of society and, at other times, serving as a channel through which misinformation unintentionally spreads, audiences are frequently confronted with cognitive dissonance caused by contradictory narratives about insecurity, governance, and development. This psychological tension affects how individuals interpret issues, respond to government strategies, and form opinions about national development initiatives. By interrogating these dimensions, the paper underscores the urgent need for ethical and responsible journalism, improved media literacy, and a more coherent information ecosystem that can support national development and reduce the psychological stress associated with contradictory media messages.

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