Sarcouncil Journal of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences

Abstract: In Nigeria's diverse socio-cultural landscape, mass media plays a pivotal role in shaping ethnic and gender identities, often exacerbating divisions while offering avenues for cohesion. This study investigated how online newspapers portray ethnicity and gender, and their implications for social identity formation, employing a mixed-methods approach. Content analysis of 480 articles from Vanguard, The Punch, Premium Times, and The Guardian over six months in 2023 revealed skewed representations: major ethnic groups dominated 72.3% of mentions with more positive tones, while minorities faced 58.5% negative portrayals linked to conflict. Gender biases were evident, with women in 38.4% of references confined to victim (31.2%) or domestic roles (24.7%), and stereotypes in 47.7% of cases; non-binary identities were negligible (0.8%). In-depth interviews with 40 diverse news consumers uncovered perceptions of marginalization, with 75% reporting ethnic exclusion and 65% gender impacts, yet 45% demonstrated resistance through alternative media. Integrated findings, grounded in social identity and framing theories, highlight media's reinforcement of hierarchies, fostering epistemic injustice and fragmented belonging, while consumer agency suggests potential for hybrid identities. The study bridges gaps in digital media research, offering insights for inclusive practices among practitioners, policymakers, and scholars to promote equitable representations and societal harmony in Nigeria.