Maths
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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
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2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
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Criminology
6 Dec 2025
88
7 pages
robyn๐๐ค @rqbny
Media plays a powerful role in how society views crime and criminals. From newspapers to video games, different... Show more
Media representation refers to how different forms of media portray crime, criminals, and the criminal justice system. These representations significantly influence public opinion and understanding of crime.
The way crime is depicted across various media platforms often differs dramatically from actual crime statistics and realities. These portrayals can lead to misconceptions about how common certain crimes are and who typically commits them.
Understanding media representation helps us become more critical consumers of crime-related content and develop a more balanced view of criminal behaviour in society.
Think critically Next time you encounter crime in media, ask yourself "Is this an accurate representation of reality, or is it exaggerated for entertainment or shock value?"
Newspapers tend to focus on violent, sensational or unusual crimes like murder and terrorism rather than more common offences. They use emotive language to grab readers' attention and often frame stories with clear "villains" and "innocent victims."
This selective reporting creates what sociologist Stanley Cohen called moral panic - a widespread fear that some evil threatens society. The disproportionate coverage of violent crime and under-reporting of white-collar crime distorts public perception of crime frequencies.
Newspaper coverage also reinforces stereotypes about who commits crimes, frequently portraying young men and ethnic minorities as typical offenders. This framing can shape how the public views certain groups and influences support for particular crime policies.
Important concept Moral panic occurs when media coverage amplifies public concern about an issue beyond what the actual threat warrants, often leading to demands for harsher responses.
Television shapes our understanding of crime through both fictional dramas and news coverage. Police procedurals typically present clear distinctions between "good" police and "bad" criminals, while news programmes focus intensely on high-profile cases.
Reality shows often portray offenders as reckless or dysfunctional, reinforcing negative stereotypes. This coverage can significantly increase viewers' fear of crime, despite actual crime rates potentially decreasing.
Television dramatically over-represents violent crimes compared to more common property or cybercrime. This has led to phenomena like the CSI effect - where jurors develop unrealistic expectations about forensic evidence based on TV portrayals of criminal investigations.
Did you know? The "CSI effect" refers to how crime shows create unrealistic expectations that all criminal cases should have sophisticated forensic evidence to be credible - a perception that can affect real jury decisions!
Films often glamorise criminal behaviour, particularly in gangster or mafia genres where criminals are portrayed as anti-heroes with admirable qualities. These portrayals can exaggerate both the violence and sophistication of criminal activities.
The impact of these representations includes potentially normalising or romanticising criminal behaviour. Films shape cultural myths about organised crime, serial killers and vigilantes that may bear little resemblance to reality.
Cinema also influences public expectations of punishment, frequently showing justice being served by the film's conclusion. This creates misleading ideas about how the criminal justice system actually functions and how many crimes are successfully prosecuted.
Consider this While we enjoy crime films for entertainment, they often present a world where crimes are solved quickly and justice always prevails - quite unlike the messy reality of the actual criminal justice system.
Games like Grand Theft Auto (GTA) allow players to commit virtual crimes including theft, assault and murder as central gameplay mechanics. These games often present criminal activity as entertainment or a path to gaining rewards, status and progress.
While some games involve playing as law enforcement, many popular titles place players in the role of criminals. This has sparked ongoing debates about potential desensitisation to violence and whether gaming influences real-world behaviour.
Gaming representations of crime frequently reinforce stereotypes, portraying criminals predominantly as gang members or drug dealers. However, research findings on whether these games cause aggression or merely reflect existing culture remain contested.
Food for thought While millions play crime-based video games without becoming criminals, these games still shape how we think about crime and criminals - consider what messages these games might convey about who commits crimes and why.
Social media platforms enable crime to be reported and discussed instantly, often before traditional media coverage begins. This immediacy can spread misinformation, rumours and moral panic rapidly across wide audiences.
When crime-related content "goes viral," both offenders and victims can face intense public scrutiny. This instant exposure shapes public opinion quickly, frequently before all facts have been confirmed or properly investigated.
A concerning impact is the emergence of "trial by social media" where public judgement occurs outside proper legal proceedings. The constant exposure to crime content through social media feeds may also amplify fear of crime, making threats seem more immediate and prevalent than they actually are.
Watch out Social media algorithms often promote sensational, emotional content about crime - which can make threats seem more common than they really are in your community.
Certain music genres, such as gangster rap and drill, frequently reference crime, violence, drugs and interactions with police. These musical forms sometimes present crime as a product of social inequality rather than individual moral failing.
Other musical traditions, including folk and protest songs, often critique the criminal justice system itself rather than glorifying criminal behaviour. These different approaches reflect varied perspectives on crime's causes and solutions.
Music's impact includes potentially reinforcing negative stereotypes that link crime to specific youth subcultures. While authorities sometimes blame music for encouraging criminal behaviour, these same musical forms can raise important awareness about structural issues like poverty, racism and problematic policing practices.
Consider the context When musicians discuss crime in their lyrics, they're often describing lived experiences and social conditions rather than simply glorifying criminal behaviour.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
2
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: โ 50+ Practice Questions โ Interactive Flashcards โ Full Mock Exam โ Essay Outlines
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
robyn๐๐ค
@rqbny
Media plays a powerful role in how society views crime and criminals. From newspapers to video games, different media formats shape our understanding of criminal behaviour, often in ways that don't match reality. Let's explore how various media represent crime... Show more
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Join milions of students
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Media representation refers to how different forms of media portray crime, criminals, and the criminal justice system. These representations significantly influence public opinion and understanding of crime.
The way crime is depicted across various media platforms often differs dramatically from actual crime statistics and realities. These portrayals can lead to misconceptions about how common certain crimes are and who typically commits them.
Understanding media representation helps us become more critical consumers of crime-related content and develop a more balanced view of criminal behaviour in society.
Think critically: Next time you encounter crime in media, ask yourself: "Is this an accurate representation of reality, or is it exaggerated for entertainment or shock value?"
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Newspapers tend to focus on violent, sensational or unusual crimes like murder and terrorism rather than more common offences. They use emotive language to grab readers' attention and often frame stories with clear "villains" and "innocent victims."
This selective reporting creates what sociologist Stanley Cohen called moral panic - a widespread fear that some evil threatens society. The disproportionate coverage of violent crime and under-reporting of white-collar crime distorts public perception of crime frequencies.
Newspaper coverage also reinforces stereotypes about who commits crimes, frequently portraying young men and ethnic minorities as typical offenders. This framing can shape how the public views certain groups and influences support for particular crime policies.
Important concept: Moral panic occurs when media coverage amplifies public concern about an issue beyond what the actual threat warrants, often leading to demands for harsher responses.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Television shapes our understanding of crime through both fictional dramas and news coverage. Police procedurals typically present clear distinctions between "good" police and "bad" criminals, while news programmes focus intensely on high-profile cases.
Reality shows often portray offenders as reckless or dysfunctional, reinforcing negative stereotypes. This coverage can significantly increase viewers' fear of crime, despite actual crime rates potentially decreasing.
Television dramatically over-represents violent crimes compared to more common property or cybercrime. This has led to phenomena like the CSI effect - where jurors develop unrealistic expectations about forensic evidence based on TV portrayals of criminal investigations.
Did you know? The "CSI effect" refers to how crime shows create unrealistic expectations that all criminal cases should have sophisticated forensic evidence to be credible - a perception that can affect real jury decisions!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Films often glamorise criminal behaviour, particularly in gangster or mafia genres where criminals are portrayed as anti-heroes with admirable qualities. These portrayals can exaggerate both the violence and sophistication of criminal activities.
The impact of these representations includes potentially normalising or romanticising criminal behaviour. Films shape cultural myths about organised crime, serial killers and vigilantes that may bear little resemblance to reality.
Cinema also influences public expectations of punishment, frequently showing justice being served by the film's conclusion. This creates misleading ideas about how the criminal justice system actually functions and how many crimes are successfully prosecuted.
Consider this: While we enjoy crime films for entertainment, they often present a world where crimes are solved quickly and justice always prevails - quite unlike the messy reality of the actual criminal justice system.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Games like Grand Theft Auto (GTA) allow players to commit virtual crimes including theft, assault and murder as central gameplay mechanics. These games often present criminal activity as entertainment or a path to gaining rewards, status and progress.
While some games involve playing as law enforcement, many popular titles place players in the role of criminals. This has sparked ongoing debates about potential desensitisation to violence and whether gaming influences real-world behaviour.
Gaming representations of crime frequently reinforce stereotypes, portraying criminals predominantly as gang members or drug dealers. However, research findings on whether these games cause aggression or merely reflect existing culture remain contested.
Food for thought: While millions play crime-based video games without becoming criminals, these games still shape how we think about crime and criminals - consider what messages these games might convey about who commits crimes and why.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Social media platforms enable crime to be reported and discussed instantly, often before traditional media coverage begins. This immediacy can spread misinformation, rumours and moral panic rapidly across wide audiences.
When crime-related content "goes viral," both offenders and victims can face intense public scrutiny. This instant exposure shapes public opinion quickly, frequently before all facts have been confirmed or properly investigated.
A concerning impact is the emergence of "trial by social media" where public judgement occurs outside proper legal proceedings. The constant exposure to crime content through social media feeds may also amplify fear of crime, making threats seem more immediate and prevalent than they actually are.
Watch out: Social media algorithms often promote sensational, emotional content about crime - which can make threats seem more common than they really are in your community.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Certain music genres, such as gangster rap and drill, frequently reference crime, violence, drugs and interactions with police. These musical forms sometimes present crime as a product of social inequality rather than individual moral failing.
Other musical traditions, including folk and protest songs, often critique the criminal justice system itself rather than glorifying criminal behaviour. These different approaches reflect varied perspectives on crime's causes and solutions.
Music's impact includes potentially reinforcing negative stereotypes that link crime to specific youth subcultures. While authorities sometimes blame music for encouraging criminal behaviour, these same musical forms can raise important awareness about structural issues like poverty, racism and problematic policing practices.
Consider the context: When musicians discuss crime in their lyrics, they're often describing lived experiences and social conditions rather than simply glorifying criminal behaviour.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
2
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: โ 50+ Practice Questions โ Interactive Flashcards โ Full Mock Exam โ Essay Outlines
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
