The Negative Role of Media in Kenya
Name
Institution
Introduction
Media refers to all elements used to convey information ranging from radio, television, the internet, and print media such as newspapers and magazines. Numerous instances and occurrences have been witnessed in the country, all pointing to the adverse role media has played in Kenyans’ lives. This paper explores some of these instances concerning two media effects theories; the magic bullet theory and the propaganda theory. The propaganda theory asserts that media information is built not upon substantive message but to manipulate the average person’s vulnerable state of mind (Thibault, 2016). Magic bullet theory, on the other hand, argues that media message is a bullet fired from the media gun right into the audience head.
First, the advanced use of technology in Kenya has seen the widespread use of social media. Information in different interpretations is spread across the country instantly, at the initial stages of the news about coronavirus, a belief that blacks were immune to the disease emanated and spread across the country on social media. Reports of fatalities and new cases were perceived with a biased inclination that Africans, in particular, were safe and shielded from the pandemic. Different television and radio programs aired debates about this fallacy and opened a window for live comments where the majority of people who held common opinions expressed their views. This propaganda fell on the unsuspecting audience ears and remarkably manipulated them to conformity. Consequently, caution was thrown to the wind. The government was equally affected and tarried with intervention measures until it was way too late.
Secondly, Kenya experiences a heated political atmosphere during the campaign period, thanks to the role played by various forms of media (Muhoho-Minni & Lubbe, 2017). Biased newspaper headlines and news coverage have had a massive negative impact on different people. Widened rifts have been witnessed along ethnic lines. This peak was seen in the ethnic clashes that erupted following the disputed presidential election in the 2007-2008 period. Among the suspected masterminds of the violence was a renowned journalist from a local vernacular station. The information spread pierced the minds of Kenyans, most of whom counter reacted with a vengeance while others sought self-defense in the most ungodly of ways. Vices of greed and self-satisfaction fueled animosity, and within a few days, the nation was on its knees.
Media is the line along which celebrities and other social influencers are introduced to young people. Various attributes, styles, and thought patterns of these influencers are indiscriminately conveyed to the society by media. This hits the core of the belief system of the gullible audience and distorts it completely. They then assume a new view of life about drug and substance abuse, dress code, and spiritual intuition. The native values taught by parents and the society at large are hence overshadowed deemed archaic. The increased rate of crime, sex abuse, and depression are linked to the fake lifestyle emphasized in the various communication tools. Propaganda about success and wealth has taken root in young Kenyans’ minds, hence a weaker generation relative to traditional African orientation.
Besides, media has played a big role in painting a negative impression on modern-day vocational education (Manyala et al., 2020). While it is important to nurture and horn talent, it should not be at the expense of education. It is common practice to see media bring to light the argument that education is not the determinant of one’s future. Media depicts teaching and learning as a means of earning a living. Thus an alternative way to generate income out rightly replaces the essence of education. This has affected otherwise intelligent students who would have impacted society in an all-rounded manner. Unschooled business people have openly laid prejudice on the elites on different media houses, terming the latter as potential employees to serve as subjects to the former. The result has been increased instances of people resorting to using dubious means to eke a living.
Finally, the information conveyed by the various forms of media has adversely eaten into the marriage institution (Musyimi, 2020). Men and women alike have fallen victim to yielding to multiple opinions expressed by people on media platforms. Some of these ideas have triggered intolerance and contentment that vices of adultery and promiscuity have taken the place of integrity and cohesion. Propaganda happens to dictate to the audience what they should do, who they should emulate, how they should behave, and, worse, how they should think. Couples are caught between embracing values taught to them in the previous years and the new norms advocated for by forces of influence across media. It is no longer uncommon to find social media handles that openly ridicule forgiveness and give weight to self-gratification.
Conclusion
Media holds a critical role in shaping the lives of societies across Kenya. The invaluable input it has to the socio-economic status of a nation is undisputedly highly regarded. The human elements behind media must, however, make an effort to curb the negative effects attributed to the roles of these tools of conveying information. The points of influence around media should exercise their freedom of expression in a manner to empower the society rather than appealing to followers for business in all sorts. It is imperative to equally call to the public’s members to exercise their right to access information cautiously and with sound judgment.
References
Manyala, Q. A., Adams, Y., & Achieng, A. L. (2020). Pragmatic Exploration of Social Media Images on Interpretation Aiming at Facebook Users in Kenya: Political Discourse. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 4(7), 113-124.
Muhoho-Minni, P., & Lubbe, B. A. (2017). The role of the media in constructing a destination image: The Kenya Experience. Communicatio, 43(1), 58-79.
Musyimi, F. W. (2020). Effects of Social Media on Organizational Performance: A Case Study of Public Relations Agencies in Nairobi, Kenya (Doctoral dissertation, United States International University-Africa).
Thibault, G. (2016). Needles and Bullets: Media Theory, Medicine, and Propaganda, 1910–1940. In Endemic (pp. 67-92). Palgrave Macmillan, London.