Module 10 Activity DB
What role have the various forms of media had in creating moral panics? Likewise, who is responsible for perpetuating crime myths? Finally, please provide an example of a recent moral panic and crime myth that share characteristics and have impacted your personal perception of crime and the efficacy of the American criminal justice system.
A variety of media platforms, including social media and traditional news outlets, sensationalize events and situations in order to increase public dread and anxiety, which in turn fuels moral panics. Interest groups, politicians, and organizations are only a few of the individuals who contribute to the spread of crime myths because of the widespread distribution and anonymity of many media platforms. A recent example of this moral panic is Critical Race Theory. Conservative media, in collusion
with Republican-ruled states, fostered a generalized apprehension about the teaching of Critical Race Theory in American classrooms. This demonstrates a frequent trend in moral panic theory: liberals are accused of downplaying potentially significant social issues, while conservative media figures are blamed for inciting moral panic.
How do moral panics and crime myths impact crime control legislation and policies? In the context of public perceptions of crime, what role has social media had on public sentiment and political agendas?
Politicians may be compelled to act rashly in order to appease the public due to moral
panics and crime myths. This may result in the application of policies that might not be the best or most equitable way to address a perceived problem. Because misinformation spreads quickly on social media, it has contributed to the public's impression of crime. Given that social media moves so quickly, it also spreads information—including false information—much more quickly than traditional news sources. This increase in false information has the potential to lead viewers to believe
that minorities are more likely than white people to commit crimes and to favor more severe penalties as a means of "fixing" the problem.
