Quantum Superposition of Media Messages: Assessing Sustenance and Collapse Trigger of Contradictory Beliefs Across Climate Change, Political Narratives, and AI Discourses in Nigeria

Authors

  • Samuel Sunday Ameh Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
  • Nathan Oguche Emmanuel Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria, Nigeria
  • Precious Ojocheneyo Ugbaje Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Social Science, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Nigeria
  • Nworie Chukwuebuka Stephen Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Social Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
  • Raphael Chijioke EZE Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environments, State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21831/informasi.v56i1.90624

Abstract

This study applies quantum cognition frameworks to investigate how Nigerian media audiences sustain contradictory beliefs ("superposition") across climate change, political narratives, and AI discourses. The study examines: (1) extent of superposition prevalence, (2) probabilistic belief distributions via quantum mathematics, (3) real-world collapse triggers, and (4) superposition duration. Using a mixed-design quasi-experiment, 800 Nigerian adults completed a Quantum Belief Scale (QBS) measuring probabilistic agreement with contradictory statements. Participants were stratified into intervention groups receiving domain-specific stimuli (IPCC reports, OECD guidelines, political endorsements) and a control. Experience Sampling Methodology tracked real-time belief fluctuations over 14 days. Quantum probability models and survival analyses were applied. Key findings reveal: Significant superposition across domains—political (56.7%), climate (50.1%), AI (45.2%)—challenging cognitive dissonance models. Climate-political beliefs showed strongest quantum correlations (concurrence=0.435±0.056), violating Bell inequalities (S>2), confirming non-classical interdependencies. Triggers like authoritative credible sources (e.g., NIMET climate data: 81.2% collapse rate) outperformed social media. Domain-specific interventions reduced superposition by 16–18% without cross-domain spillover. Also, the duration of median superposition stability lasted 8.4 days, extended among rural (9.1 days) and less educated (9.8 days) participants. Beliefs re-superposed within 18–24 hours post-collapse without reinforcement.

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Published

2026-06-30

How to Cite

Ameh, S. S., Emmanuel, N. O., Ugbaje, P. O., Stephen, N. C., & EZE, R. C. (2026). Quantum Superposition of Media Messages: Assessing Sustenance and Collapse Trigger of Contradictory Beliefs Across Climate Change, Political Narratives, and AI Discourses in Nigeria. Informasi, 56(1), 37–58. https://doi.org/10.21831/informasi.v56i1.90624

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Vol. 56 No. 1 (2026): Informasi

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Copyright (c) 2026 Samuel Sunday Ameh; Nathan Oguche Emmanuel; Precious Ojocheneyo Ugbaje, Nworie Chukwuebuka Stephen, Raphael Chijioke EZE

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