Pages: (83-99 )
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for youth in Nigeria, yet the role of mass media messages in building youth resilience remains underexplored. This study built on the Media Effect Theory and examined the sources, extent, format preferences, and dimensions of resilience influenced by mass media COVID-19 messages among youth in Southwest Nigeria. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted with 200 youth (aged 15-34) across six states in Southwest Nigeria. Data were generated using a validated questionnaire and analysed descriptively. Findings showed that radio (46.0%) and television (38.5%) were the primary sources of COVID-19 information. Mass media messages influenced youth resilience to a very large (44.0%) or large (37.5%) extent. Emotional resilience (44.0%) and physical resilience (42.0%) were most affected, while mental (9.5%), spiritual (2.0%), and cognitive (2.5%) resilience showed minimal impact. Video (29.0%) and audio (27.5%) formats were most preferred for receiving messages. The study concluded that mass media effectively builds emotional and physical resilience but inadequately addresses mental, spiritual, and cognitive dimensions. It recommended a multi-dimensional communication strategy for future public health crises.
Keywords: COVID-19, Information source, Media Exposure, Southwest Nigeria, Youth Resilience,