EFFECT OF RUMOURS ON THE DISSEMINATION AND UTILISATION OF INFORMATION FOR SOCIAL STABILITY IN PLATEAU STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0         Background to The Study

The common challenge that all societies face is maintenance of social stability such that people can operate within the accepted norms and ethics. Social stability is essential for the attainment of growth and development of any society and establishment. It ensures stable running of institutions, societies, nations and countries (Labossiere, 2011). Social stability is simply the fulcrum of economic, social, cultural and political advancement of any human community. It is anchored on effective information dissemination on and about the activities taking place in government circles which have effect on the public.

Efforts have been expended by state and federal governments, non-governmental organizations, concerned and opinion leaders in the maintenance of social stability, in this regard; several scholars have explored the issue from economic, social, cultural, political, ethnic, and religious perspectives but despite their studies social instability is still perverse and recurrent around the globe (Sutton, 2013) Hence, in continuance in the arrest of the situation there is the need to look outside the box but keep the box in view. In order to keep the box in view this study sought and investigates the social instability in Plateau state scooping the perceptions and reactions of opinion leaders on the effect of rumours dissemination and utilisation in the state.

Rumour mongering is a phenomenon that can occur or be promoted due to ineffective regulation, dissemination and utilisation of information for social stability because it is a by-product of information need and access gap. Studies have shown that it is used to misinform and disinform the public especially for propaganda, political campaign and blackmail among others (Nook, Desmond, Sylvia, Jason, and Jamil, 2016). (Difonzo & Bordia, 2010 & Abdulmanafi,

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2013). Rumours are pervasive like dusts flying or found everywhere without restriction. It is the oldest form of communication before the advent of formal writing. This takes place by word of mouth, being the social channel of communication for conveying thoughts and ideas. It is believed that rumours are capable of transmitting news but can also ruin reputations, set off crises and wars.

EFFECT OF RUMOURS ON THE DISSEMINATION AND UTILISATION OF INFORMATION FOR SOCIAL STABILITY IN PLATEAU STATE