Framing ethno-religious crises: An examination of studies on media and conflict dynamics in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

This literature review reveals the relationship between media and ethno-religious conflicts in Jos, Nigeria, identifying gaps and suggesting directions for future research. It examines media outlets' framing mechanisms, revealing their influence on public perception and the escalation or mitigation of conflicts. The study underscores the media's performative role in shaping narratives yet indicates a gap in comprehensive analysis, particularly concerning the diverse linguistic and visual framing techniques and their effects on conflict dynamics. The examination extends to the impact of media on conflict escalation, with research indicating that sensationalism and the omission of underlying causes contribute significantly to exacerbating tensions. The review also examines the challenges posed by misinformation and hate speech, spotlighting the role of media in perpetuating stereotypes and amplifying conflicts yet acknowledging differences in intent and regional affiliations that influence media narratives. This aspect calls for further research into the socio-cognitive elements of media influence. Additionally, the discourse on victim narratives reveals selective framing practices that shape readers' perceptions, emphasising the need for longitudinal analyses to capture the evolving nature of such narratives. The critique of methodologies across reviewed studies highlights the diversity of approaches yet points out limitations in capturing the multifaceted nature of media framing and its implications on ethno religious conflicts, especially the direct effects model. This research explored qualitative research and calls for future research to adopt mixed-methods approaches and theoretical frameworks that can offer deeper insights into the motivations behind media framing decisions and their implications on conflict dynamics. Finally, the review underscores the importance of ethical considerations in media reporting and the potential of policy interventions to mitigate the negative impacts of media on conflict dynamics, thereby contributing to peacebuilding efforts in the region.