AN ASSESSMENT OF MASS MEDIA'S ROLE IN THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRUG ABUSE IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This work was done to final out the assessment of the mass media’s role in the campaign against drug abuse, because drug abuse has become a serious problem we are facing both in Nigeria and in other parts of the world.

The objectives of this research is to find out if drug abuse has increased crime rate in Nigeria, to find out if the mass media is performing their functions effectively, its assessment in the campaign against drug abuse in Nigeria and what impression people have about drug abuse in Nigeria.

A critical review of related literature was made. The methodology used, the research design, sample, the method of data collection and analysis is found in chapter three.

Chapter four is devoted to the analysis of data collected and results of the research. Tables were used in the results.

Chapter five contains the summary of the study and the recommendations for further study.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE:        INTRODUCTION

• Background of the Study
• Statement of the Research   problem
• Objective of the Study
• Significance of the Study
• Research Questions
• Research Hypothesis
• Conceptual and Operational definition
• Assumptions
• Limitation of the Study

CHAPTER TWO : REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

• Sources of Literature
• The Review
• Summary of Literature review

CHAPTER THREE: MYTHOLOGY

• Research method
• Research design
• Research Sample
• Measuring Instrument
• Data collection
• Data Analysis
• Expected Results

CHAPTER FOUR : DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS

• Data Analysis
• Results
• Discussion

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY

• Summary
• Recommendations for further Study

Bibliography

Appendix A: Letter of Introduction

Appendix   B: Questionnaire. 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

There is no limit to the study of media and society. Media and society as a subject covers a wide range of issues. Communication has a lot to do with the individual. It effects and defects are so notable that they cannot be swept under the carpet. Media and society are interwoven and nether of them can exist without the other. But first of all, what is communication?

Fiske (1990) defines communication as “social interaction through message” Jaya- weera (1991) sees it as an interaction process through which persons or groups relate to each other and share information, experience and culture. Looking at the above definitions communication can be said to be the transferring or transmitting of ideas, attitudes and information from one person to anther. Okunna (1999) throws more light on the above assertion when she says “to communicate basically means to share ideas information, opinions , feelings or experiences between people?

Read also: Business management project topics and materials

According to Okunna (1999) the mass media perform a number of functions, which benefit the individual as a member of a society. She   goes on to say that these functions range from serious informational and educational functions  to lighter functions like entertainment.

The functions of the mass media in the society includes .

1. Information:-This is the constant stream of information about event in the society. Among the positive consequence of this function is the guidance it gives to the individuals in his or her daily life.
2. Interpretation :-This is the function of appropriately interpreting news and information in such as way as to avoid over sensitization and induce appropriate or necessary action. It includes prescribing what to do, how to do it and why it is necessary.
3. Education:- The mass media   help unify society and increases social cohesion by upholding teaching a broad base of common social norms values and collective experiences. The mass media do this transmission mainly through informal education (unconscious learning) and non- formal education (conscious attempt to impart knowledge outside the formal school system).
4. Entertainment:-This is the mass media function that is geared towards providing some diversion and amusement, relaxation and respite.

The mass media is known as the watch dog of the society and with the information and education function, it will be known if the mass media has played roles in the campaign against drug abuse in Nigeria. This is because like the dry rot that eats away the wooden beams of a house, drugs can corrode the whole structure of society. For human society to function properly, it must have stable families, healthy workers, trustworthy governments, honest polices and law abiding citizens . Drugs corrupt every one of these fundamental elements.

The home however is probably where drugs do the most damage. Parents who are distracted by their craving for drugs rarely provide their children with a stable home life. Many children who grow up in this environment take to the streets or even get involved in drugs themselves.