ABSTRACT
This research explored "Social Media and Exposure to Socio-Political Issues Among, Essien Udim
Residents". The objectives of this study were to find out whether residents of Essien Udim are exposed to
socia-political issues on social media; to know what social media platform Essien Udim residents access
mostly to get exposed to socia-political issues; to ascertain the extent to which they are exposed to sociapolitical issues on social media and find out the other media that expose them to these issues aside social
media. The study adopted the survey method and with the aid of structure questionnaire as its research
instrument, got data from 399 respondents drawn as sample size from the total population of 193,257
residents in Essien Udim.
Findings of the study therefore revealed that residents of Essien Udim, to a large extent, are exposed to
socia-political issues on social media. Findings also showed that Essien Udim Residents mostly access
Facebook to get exposed to socia-political issues. The study therefore recommended that government
should take measures to combat some of these issues as they pose problems in society; social media user
should exercise reasonable care in publication of information on social media platform in order to
enhance credibility of the information on social media as a whole; Essien Udim Residents should be more
consistent in accessing the traditional media in order to be abreast of topical socia-political, issues as
information obtained from social media may, most times, not be accurate.
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Social media are interactive technologies that facilitate the creation and sharing
of information, ideas, interests, and other forms of expression through virtual
communities and networks Wiki (2023).
According to Jones (2012:77), the term social media refers to web-based tools
and services that allow users to share and communicate with one another. Social
media are media for social interaction using highly accessible publishing
techniques. It is the combination of all online communication tools such as
YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Skype, Email, Websites,
LinkedIn, Google and other user interactive media.
Also Akakwandu (2021:113), says social media which qualifies as new media is a
"a catch-all phrase for a variety in internet and mobile based applicationsvas well
as other tools used to create content, share information and foster interaction
among individuals". Social media do not just provide information but provides
basis for meaningful interactions among users. Users therefore share and
consume information using social media platforms.
Since the inception of modern technologies in the later 21st century, the world
has witnessed an information dissemination revolution which has change the
complex nature of the world. With this development, the world today is now a
global village with simultaneity in information dissemination regardless of
temporal or spatial locations. The rapid growth of social media activity, especially
over the last ten years is indicative of its entry into the mainstream and its
integration into the daily lives of people, especially the youths. Explaining this
Westerman, Spencer and Heide (2012: 201) note that social media have gained
increased usage rapidly for a variety of rationales, some of which include
education, religion, politics, entertainment news, information and awareness of
socio-political issues in societies. Social media platforms to some people might
seem weird and incomprehensible, especially to those who are accustomed to
and dependent on the mainstream media alone and the aged ones.
However, with the aid of social media, there is perfect and direct access to all
sides of a story, a utopia of limitless information in society that was seen as being
protective. It has led to a free access of information relating to society, which are
affecting them, photos accompanying such information and stories. One might
imagine, alternative media are freely accessible online. In one sense, it is true that
a wide range of news, opinions, pieces, photos and videos are rapidly available to
the public. Nevertheless, social media have influenced the way news is channelled
and read. No wonder Yeoh (2007: 47 ) asserts that news items are now userdriven and no longer centered on the publisher of the website. It is easier for the
social media generation to scan their live feed on Facebook or Twitter and pick up
the news that is interesting and pertinent to them. Due to the the role and
effectiveness of social media in sharing of entertainment educative and
informative messages, the relatively new media is a useful tool for exposure and
awareness of socio-political issues to the people, especially the youths who form
a larger number of those with access to social media channels. Papachariss (2002 )
assumes that access to news information and communication technology
provides opportunity for exposure and discussion among those who were
previously ignorant and silent and also increase the overall volume of exposure to
socio-political issues. This view has become even more pronounced as a result of
the use of social media. Commenting on the effectiveness of social media in the
exposure of socio-political issues, people rely on social media to enhance the
exposure or awareness of such political issues like the 2023, general election,
nationwide campaigns legal resolutions, electoral violence, IPOP/ESN attack, Lekki
toll gate killing, herdsmen/ farmers clashes, Boko Haram attacks, 2023 budget,
minimumwage, anti-corruption fights, Etc, and equip them with voting decisions
( Nigeria decides ). Infact, social media serves as a potent tool to in enhancing
awareness of political and electoral happenings in societies, political parties,
election rigging, results rejection, lost of positions by aspirants, electoral violence
and loss of lives while participating in electoral processes. Interestingly social
media sets agenda for public discourse of politcal happenings in societies and also
helps in the formation of opinions and attitudes of the people regarding the
existing political parties, candidates and of course, their promises. Ifukor ( 2010 :
8 ) avers that citizens access to electronic social media platforms exposes them to
democratic governance. In Nigerian political process today, the use of social
media became more pronounced in the 2023 general election, which was the
most keenly contested and from the Inception of Boko Haram found by
Mohammed Yusuf in 2002 with Sambisa Forest as its headquarters in 2015 and
it's several adduction including the kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok in
2014. Several platforms of social media, like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp,
Opera Mini, Twitter and Wikipedia have been used to share photos, disseminate
information and revealing to the people the used strategies by the group,
therefore exposing the citizens to this crisis. Also, social media most especially
Facebook, and microblogs have been used as core tools in this spread and
drawing of citizens attention to political happenings in societies. The suspension
of the Central Bank Governor of Nigeria Godwin Emefiele by President Ahmed
Bola Tinubu on June 9, 2023 became the talk of the town on social media
platforms with people's comments that the president has no constitutional power
to do so . Interestingly, social media have engaged youth and politicians in several
discussion of political issues. Social media savvy youth and elicited diverse
discussions. Bvandorn ( 2012 :12) posists that social media is acting as a new way
for common people to become, increasingly educated and exposed to political
issues in society. Through social media, the people have been made to know
some socio-political issues like the winning of senatorial seats by Akpabio, and
party nomination for Senate President, the rejection of election results by the PDP
and LP, numerous defections of politicians from parties to parties, election rigging,
especially in the just concluded election, loss of lives due to electoral violence,
Herdsmen Killings in the North and others. Today, Nigerian citizens, ( Social media
savvy) both partisan and nonpartisan politicians have utilized social media tools to
provide imperative information and expose citizens to political programs crimes
and actions in society. That is, social media serves as a veritable tool in the hands
of its users in exposing and making the people aware of this political issues. It is
pellucid that Nigerians have employed the use of social media to discuss and
brainstorm political issues in societies.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Contemporary societies of the world encounter different kinds of issues which most time, hinder
peaceful living of people in such communities.
These issues however, are social and political (social-political). In Nigeria, the herdsmen killing, Boko
Haram abduction, corruption, Lekki toll gate killing, election rigging, Yahoo-boys and evil rituals and
electoral violence which leads to loss of lives of the masses do not only bring colossal lost to the families
of victims but also elicits diverse discussion among members of society.
In a bid to spread this information, social media due to its intrinsic characteristics has been utilized by
members of society with the aim of getting others who may not have been aware, updated on what is
happening in society and in political processes. These issues most times do not occur in all societies,
nevertheless, there is no society without the existence of socia-political issues.
However, it is not certain whether the residents of ESSIEN UDIM are exposed and aware of these issues
on social media. It is on this note that the researcher therefore sees it necessary to investigate the
influence of social media on the awareness of socia-political issues among the residents of ESSIEN UDIM
Local Government Area.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The study set to accomplish the following objectives:
i To find out whether the residents of Essien Udim are exposed to socia-political issues on social media;
ii To find out the social media platform Essien Udim Residents mostly access to get this exposure;
iii To ascertain the extent to which social media have exposed Essien Udim Residents to this sociapolitical issues;
iv To find out the other media that expose Essien Udim Residents to Socio-Political issues aside social
media.
1.4 Research Questions
The following questions were generated to guide the study.
i Are Essien Udim residents exposed to socia-political issues on social media?
ii Which social media platform do Essien Udim residents mostly accessed to get exposure?
iii To what extent are Essien Udim residents exposed to socia-political issues on social media?
iv What are the other media that expose Essien Udim residents to socia-political issues aside social
media.
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Review of Concepts/Opinions
Every study has different ideas and opinions related to it. Social media is a generic term which comprises
all web based media, and as such, has many concepts and opinions related to it. Therefore, the concepts
and opinions related to this study are discussed below.
2.1.1 Social Media: An Overview
The concept of social media is not a case given in succinct definition, but it is better comprehended
under the notion of a collective noun. However, fundamental to the understanding of the notion of
social media is the notion of the new media.
Nwokeocha and Chukwu (2014:113) aver that the presence of internet on mobile phones has made it
possible for journalists to gather news anywhere, especially those who use their phones as mobile
internet and send stories which in turn readers have access. The new media hold out possibilities for on
demand access to content anytime and anywhere on digital devices like iPhones and Android's.
2.1.4 Overview of Some Socia-political Issues
Nigerian societies today face myriads of issues which elicit diverse discussions among residents. These
issues most time are ethnocentric, social-cultural or socia-political. Nonetheless, some Socio-Political
issues faced in Nigerian societies are discussed below:
(a) Corruption
Corruption according to the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary is said to be an illegal or dishonest
behavior, especially of people in authority.
Corruption has several meaning in English Language, depending on the person defining it, but all these
meanings in a broad sense, are used to describe fraud or theft of public resources and mismanagement
of power.
Political corruption is a persistent and prevalent phenomenon in Nigeria. Since the creation of modern
public administration in the country, there has been cases of official misuse of resources, power,
embezzlement of funds and looting of government property for personal enrichment.
Nigerian political leaders have made u democracy and socia-political inequality the order of the system.
Until this inequality system in our laws and norms is dealt with, any claim of fighting corruption is vain.
(b) Herdsmen Killings
Fulani Herdsmen are normadic herders whose history can be traced to the Guys Jalon mountain of West
Africa and whose primary occupations is raising livestock. They are found in countries such as Nigeria,
Senegal, Mali, Mauritariania, Cameroon etc.
The history of Fulani Herdsmen in Nigeria dates back to the 13th and 14th century when they started
migrating into the Northern Nigeria from the Sengambian Region.
During the dry season when Tse-tse fly season is reduced, Fulani Herdsmen began to drive their cattle to
the middle belt zone dominated by non-hausa groups, returning to the North at onset of the rainy
season.
But while managing the herd, and driving cattle, cattle grazing on farmlands, sometimes lead to
destruction of crops, and this in turn becomes a source of conflict between the herd and farmers.
Moreso, from 1996-2023, there have been several cases death as result of conflict between Herdsmens
and farmers. The Herdsmen invade farms and houses in states like Bauchi, Gombe, Benue, Enugu,
Kaduna, etc, with sticks (bow), machetes, guns etc. and murder huge number of persons on daily basis.
However, this barbaric and uncalled for activities of this group has left affected societies in pains, fears
and has also hindered their peaceful living.
Review of Empirical Studies
The following Studies were found relevant to the study
2.2.1 Peter Osharive (2015) Social Media and Academic Performance of Students in University of
Lagos. A Published Research Project, Department of Educational Administration, Faculty of Education,
University of Lagos.
This study was carried out to ascertain social media and academic performance of Students in University
of Lagos. The objectives of the study were to: examine the level of Students addictiveness to social
media and it's influence on their academic performance, to determine the social media platform that
the students are mostly exposed to and the influence on their academic performance, ascertain how the
use of social media has influenced the academic performance of the students in the University of Lagos,
ascertain the differences in students use of social media network by gender and ascertain how age has
influence on students use of social media network.
The survey research was employed for this study as well as the use of questionnaires as the major
research instrument. A total number of 24,661 undergraduate were selected for the study with 378
students drawn as sample size for the study.
Findings of the study revealed that; students addictiveness to social media has a significant influence on
academic performance, student's exposure to social media network has significant influence on students
academic performance, there is a significant influence on Student usage of social media network by age.
The study recommended that stident should be educated on the influence of social media on their
academic performance, Students should be monitored by lecturers and parents on how they use this
sites, lecturers should ensure they use social media as a tool to improve academic performance in
schools.
However, this study is related to the present, not only because both are survey, but both are centered
on socialedia and it's effect on issues.
2.2.2 Okoro, N and Nwafor K. A. (2013), Social Media and Political Participation in Nigeria During the
2011 General Elections, Journal of Art Humanities and Social Science Vol. 1;No.3.P 29-46
The objective of this study was to examine social media and political participation among heritage
polytechnic students, Eket and how they respond to political discussion on social media. In this study,
students completed questionnaire which assessed their personal contribution on political issues on
social media platforms.
The study adopted the survey method and used the questionnaire as its core research instrument.
Through the questionnaire, it was possible to assess the student's personal contributions on political
issues on social media.
Findings of the study suggested that social media is used by politicians to set discussions regarding
political issues and also to mobilize electorate of various political activities. They make use of indest
social media network (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Skype, YouTube etc) to communicate vividly to the
societies, social groups and students at large.
They study recommended periodic public enlightenment on the use of social media platforms for
political purposes, especially among the youths, politician and political parties. Also, their supporters
should be cautioned on using social media to post dysfunctional messages, effort should be made
towards monitoring, moderating or regulating the various social media platforms in order to minimize
the obsessed weakness and minimize the intrinsic values of technology in the electoral process.
Interestingly, the reviewers study to a great extent is related to the current. The study investigated how
the masses voluntarily involved themselves in the political activities of the 2011 general election on
social media.
Therefore, both made use of the survey method and centered on political discussion on social media.
Theoretical frameworks
The following theoretical frameworks were found relevant for this study:
 Uses and Gratifications Theory
 Agenda Setting Theory
Uses and Gratifications Theory
The uses and gratification theory was propounded by Katz, E. Blunler, J. G. and Gurevitch M. in 1974 as
cited in Obeagu (2011:88-89). This theory is an approach to understanding mass communication. It
places more stress on the consumer or audience instead of the actual message itself by 'asking what
people do with media' rather than 'what media does to the people'.
The fundamental assumption of this theory is that the audiences are responsible for choosing the media
to meet their needs. It also suggest that the people decide to use a particular media in order to fulfill
specific needs like being informed, educated, entertained and even exposed etc. It therefore means that
the media compete against other information sources for viewers gratification.
This theory is audience centered. It therefore mean that the audience choice of media is dependent on
the gratification it meets. That is, the audience uses the media that gives them what they want or meet
their needs.
However, it is worthy of note that one medium or message can give different forms of gratification to
different people depending in their needs and expectations. For instance, a large audience accessing
social media derive different utility depending on need they want to meet. Some to chat and conversate
with friends, some to post pictures and write-ups, some to comment on people's post, some to
advertise and make people aware of what they are good at etc, but all depends on their predetermined
mindset of what they want to get. Therefore, every medium serves different functions to different
individuals.
Nevertheless, the media compete with other information sources for viewers gratification.
The relevance of this theory to the study is that it shades some light of understanding on why residents
of ESSIEN UDIM choose to be exposed to socia-political issues on social media.
Agenda Setting Theory
This theory was introduced in 1972 by Maxwell Mc comb and Donald Shaw as cited in Obeagu (2011:8687). These two researchers argued that the media do not always tell us how to think, but what to think
about. The media according to Walter Lippman's notion 'create pictures in our head'.
The media determines what issues are regarded as important at a given time in a given society. This is
often seen in the quantity or frequency and the prominence given to the report.
This theory explains how individuals come to regard some events and issues which they come about
through the media as more important than others. It is the press that determines what issues the
people discuss and how much importance they attach to the different issues. The media set agenda for
the public through their day-to-day selection and display of news, they focus the people's attention and
influence their perception of what are the most important issues of the day.
The more attention and prominence the media give to some topics, the more importance audience
attach to that subject. For instance, when the media seriously began to cover certain issues, a lot of
people also began to look at such issues with positive eys e.g during the just concluded voters
registration and election the killing and kidnapping, Lekki toll gate shutting, Yahoo boys ritual, massive
defections etc. All these issues generated a lot of controversies in the country.
Therefore, it is on this basis that the theory is pertinent to the study due to the number of times the
social media set agenda for the residents of ESSIEN UDIM on socia-political issues of the country.
3. METHODOLOGY
The research design used in this study was the survey. Osuala (2005:254), opines
that the survey design is most suitable for a study of this nature that deals with
people, their vital facts, beliefs, opinions as well as behaviors. The population of
Essien Udim L.G.A according to 2006 census figure is 193,257. However, the
population for this study was 246,600 as determined using the population
projection formula(PP = GP×Pi×T). The sample size of 399 was drawn from the
population using the Taro Yamane sample size determination formula thus n = N
1 + N (e)²
The researcher used the accidental or convenience and purposive non-probability
sampling techniques where the researcher according to his judgment picked
respondents who met certain criteria set for the study to respond formally to the
questions. The researcher with the aid of structured questionnaire collected data
from 399 respondents, however 387 copies were correctly filled and worked it.
Data collected were presented and analyzed in tables using frequency scores and
simple percentages.
4. DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
The data gathered for this study through the aid of questionnaire were presented
in tables and analyzed for clarity using simple percentages and frequency counts.
Table i: Responses on whether respondents own a social media account.
Obtion
No. of Resondents
Percentage (%)
Yes
360
93
No
27
7
Total
387
100
Data presented in table i above showed that 360 (93%) out of 387 respondents own a social media
account while 27 (7%) do not.
Table ii: Responses on social media platform respondents frequently access.
Options
No. Of Respondents
Percentage (%)
WhatsApp
95
26
Facebook
212
59
Twitter
17
5
Instagram
36
10
Total
360
100
Data presented in table ii above revealed that 95 (26%) out of 360 respondents frequently access
WhatsApp, 212 (59%) Facebook, 17 (5%) Twitter and 36 (10%) Instagram.
Table iii: Responses on respondents level of exposure to social media
Options
Very high
No. of Respondents
Percentage (%)
205
57
98
27
High
Moderate
57
Total
360
16
100
Data presented in table iii above revealed that 205 (57%) out of 360 Respondents said their level of
exposure to social media is very high, 98 (27%) high and 57 (16%) moderate.
Table iv: Responses on whether Respondents are exposed to socia-political issues on social media.
Options
No. Of Respondents
Percentage (%)
Yes
348
97
No
12
3
Total
360
100
Data presented in table iv above disclosed that 348 (97%) out of 360 Respondents are exposed to sociapolitical issues on social media while 12 (3%) are not.
Table v: Responses on kind of socia-political issues respondents are aware of on social media.
Option
No. of Respondents
Percentage (%)
Herdsmen killings and Boko
Haram clashes
23
7
Electoral violence
40
11
Massive defections from parties
to parties
68
20
Lost of elections by aspirants
25
7
Loss of lives during electoral
processess
65
19
Lekki toll gate killings
95
27
All of the above
32
9
Total
348
100
Data presented in table v above indicated that out of the 348 respondents 23 (7%) said that the sociapolitical issues they are aware of in social media is "Herdsmen killings and Boko Haram clashes; 40 (11%)
"Electoral violence", 25 (7%) "lost of elections by aspirants", 68 (20%) "Massive defections from parties
to parties", 65 (19%) "Loss of lives during electoral processes" 95 (27%) "lekki toll gate killings" and 32
(9%) "All of the above".
Table vi: Responses on which social media platform respondents access to get exposed to these issues.
Options
No. of Respondents
Percentage (%)
Facebook
106
30
WhatsApp
91
26
Twitter
48
14
Instagram
23
7
Others
80
23
Total
348
100
Data presented in table vi above indicated that out of 348 respondents, 106 (30%) are exposed to SocioPolitical issues on Facebook; 91 (26%) on WhatsApp; 48 (14%) on Twitter, 23 (7%) on Instagram and 80
(23%) on other social media platforms not mentioned.
Table vii: Responses on the extent to which respondents are exposed to Socio-Political issues on social
media.
Options
No. of Respondents
Percentage (%)
Very great extent
182
52
Great extent
146
42
Low extent
20
6
Total
348
100
Data presented in table vii above showed that out of the 348 respondents, 182 (52%) said the extent to
which they are exposed to these issues is very great; 142 (42%) great and 20 (6%) low.
Table viii: Responses on other medium that exposes respondents to socia-political issues apart from
social media.
Options
No. of Respondents
Percentage (%)
Television
82
24
Radio
135
39
Newspaper
81
23
Magazines
22
6
All of the above
28
8
Total
348
100
Data presented in table viii above revealed that out of the 348 respondents, 82 (24%) said the other
medium that exposes them to these issues is Television, 135 (39%) Radio, 81 (23%) Newspaper, 22 (6%)
Magazine while 28 (8%) said all of the above.
4.2
Discussion of Findings
This section discussed the findings in line with the research questions and data analyzed in section 4.1 of
this study.
4.2.1 Research Question One
Are Essien Udim residents exposed to socia-political issues on social media?
Data presented in table 4 provides answer to this question. This table revealed that Essien Udim
residents are exposed to Socio-Political issues on social media. This was proven by the responses of 97%
of respondents as opposed to 3% of respondents who said no.
However, this finding is corroborative for the Agenda Setting Theory discussed in this study. This theory
explains that the media do not always tell the people how to think but what to think and talk about.
They determine what issues are regarded as important at a given time in a given society and bring them
to the notice of the audience.
4.2.2 Research Question Two
Which Social Media Platform do Essien Udim Residents Access to get Exposed to Social-political issues?
Data presented in table 6 provides answer to this question. This table showed that Essien Udim
residents mostly access Facebook to get exposed to Socio-Political issues. This was proven by the
preponderant responses of 30% respondents as to 26%, 14%, 7% and 23% who said WhatsApp, Twitter,
Instagram, and others respectively.
Interestingly, this finding is a confirmation of the uses and gratifications theory discussed in this study.
The theory emphasizes more on the audience instead of the actual message itself by asking "what
people do with media'" rather than "what media does to people" (Katz, 1959). This theory therefore
holds that audiences are responsible for choosing media to meet their needs. That is, audience use the
media to gratify a specific need which could be information, socialization, entertainment, education and
even exposure to socia-political issues.
4.2.3 Research Question Three
To what extent are Essien Udim residents exposed to Socio-Political issues on social media?
Data presented in table 7 provides answer to this question. According to this table, 52% of residents of
Essien Udim to a very great extent are exposed to Social-political issues on social media, while the
extent to which 42% and 6% of Essien Udim residents are exposed to those issues on social media is
great and low respectively.
From the above findings, one can categorically say that an enormous number of Essien Udim residents
as a result of their constant social media access are highly exposed to issues revolving round the social
and political spheres.
4.2.4 Research Question Four
What are the other media that expose Essien Udim residents to these issues?
Data in table 8 provides answers to this question. This revealed that the other media that expose
residents of Essien Udim to socia-political issues are Television, Radio, Newspaper and magazines. This
finding support a point in the Uses and Gratification Theory, which hold that "the media competes
against other information sources for viewers gratification, Katz E. Blender, J.G and Gurevitch, M. (1974).
Summary of Findings
Findings of the study are summarized thus:
Through the findings of the study, it was revealed that the residents of Essien Udim are exposed to
socio-political issues on social media.
Through the findings of this study, it was shown that majority of Essien Udim residents access Facebook
to get exposed to socio-political issues.
Findings of this study revealed that the extent to which residents of Essien Udim are exposed to social
political issues on social media is very great.
Findings of this study indicated that aside social media, other media, like Television, Radio Newspapers,
and Magazines also exposes Essien Udim residents to socio-political issues.
Conclusion
As Bvandorn (2002) posited “social media is acting as the new way for common people to become
increasingly educated and exposed to political issues in society”. This unarguably and undoubtedly
appears true as findings of this study lends credence to the assertion.
However, this view has become even more pronounced as a result of the increased use of social media
site. Fascinatingly social media, as a section of the New Media have been employed by individuals in
discussing issues and enhancing awareness of happenings in society.
However, the rationale behind social media usage is nothing far from his versatility, accessibility,
interactivity, connectivity and speed.
The study revealed that social media have made resident of Essien Udim aware of the socio-political
issues in society. Moreso, their consistent access to social media sites have given them the opportunity
of discussing these issues among other residents who were previously ignorant thereby encouraging
massive use of social media.
Recommendations.
Based on finding of this study, the researchers, therefore made the following recommendations:
Essien Udim residents who are aware of these issues should inform others who may be ignorant and
also encourage them to assess social media in order to minimize the level of this ignorance among them.
Essien Udim residents should be more consistent in accessing the traditional media in order to be
abreast of topical, socio-political issues as information contained in social media may most times, not be
accurate. Since it is noted that social media are handy tools for information dissemination in recent
times, users should try to exercise reasonable care in publication of information on social media
platforms, in order to enhance credibility of the information and social media as a whole.
Government should take measures to combat some of these issues as the pose problems and hinder
peaceful living in society.
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