Media Framing of the New Tax Policy and the Economic Anxiety Experienced by University Students - A Study of Non-Working Students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam Campus

Abstract

This study examined the media framing of Nigeria’s new tax policy and the economic anxiety expressed by university students, with particular focus on students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam Campus, Anambra State. The study was motivated by the increasing role of the media in shaping public understanding of economic policies and the potential psychological effects such portrayals may have on young people, especially university students who actively consume media content. The objectives of the study were to determine students’ level of exposure to media reports on the new tax policy, examine the dominant frames used by the media in reporting the policy, assess the level of economic anxiety among students, and determine whether media framing influences students’ perceptions and concerns about the policy. The study adopted a survey research design. A structured questionnaire was used as the primary instrument for data collection from undergraduate students of the university. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency distribution and percentages. The findings revealed that a significant number of students were aware of the new tax policy and were mainly exposed to information about the policy through social media and online news platforms. The study also found that many students perceived the media coverage of the tax policy as largely negative, emphasizing the economic burden and potential rise in the cost of living. Furthermore, the findings indicated that exposure to such media reports contributed to increased economic anxiety among students, particularly in relation to future employment opportunities, financial stability, and the general economic situation in the country. The study concluded that media framing plays a significant role in shaping students’ perceptions and emotional responses toward government economic policies. It therefore recommended that media organizations adopt more balanced and responsible reporting practices when covering economic policies, while government institutions should improve their communication strategies to provide clearer and more transparent explanations of policy decisions. In addition, universities should promote media literacy among students to help them critically interpret economic news and reduce unnecessary anxiety arising from media narratives.