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Work n get them A*s
13/12/2025
Criminology
AC 1.5 - Media Impact on Public Perception
646
•
13 Dec 2025
•
The Media's Influence on Crime Perception
Work n get them A*s
@akeoswell_boaa
1 / 3
Media Representations and Moral Panic
You've probably noticed how certain news stories seem to blow up everywhere, making issues feel way bigger than they actually are. This is called moral panic - when media coverage makes the public react in an exaggerated, panicky way to something that's happened.
Stanley Cohen coined this term in his 1973 study 'Folk Devils and Moral Panics'. He showed how media creates "folk devils" - groups of people who get blamed and demonised when moral panic spreads. The reporting is usually over the top, so public reaction becomes completely inflated.
A perfect example happened in the 1960s with the Mods vs Rockers clashes. When fights broke out between these youth groups at Brighton Beach in May 1964, newspapers ran headlines like "Wild ones invade seaside - 97 arrests". This made ordinary families terrified to go on seaside holidays, even though the actual incidents were relatively minor skirmishes between teenagers in different fashion styles.
Think About It: Next time you see dramatic crime headlines, ask yourself - is this creating unnecessary fear about something quite rare?
How Media Changes What We Fear
The weird thing about crime coverage is that it often doesn't match reality. Research shows crime rates are actually decreasing - the Crime Survey for England and Wales found a 4% drop in recorded crime and 19% fewer victims in 2020. Yet heavy media coverage makes people think crime is getting worse.
This mismatch creates real problems. The 'Good Childhood Report' revealed how many children are affected by fears about local crime, often keeping them indoors unnecessarily. Parents worry about abductions and abuse because of over-reporting, even though these crimes are statistically very rare.
Media stereotyping also shapes who we think criminals are. Young people get labelled as "hoodies" and thugs, leading to more stop-and-search encounters with police. This creates a cycle where certain groups face more suspicion simply because of how they're portrayed in news and entertainment.
Islamophobia is another example - prejudice against Muslims increased after certain media portrayals linked Islam with terrorism, affecting how the public perceives both crime and specific communities.
Reality Check: Crime statistics show most areas are safer than media coverage suggests, so don't let sensationalised reporting control your daily fears.
Media Influence on Punishment and Policy
Here's something that might surprise you - media coverage actually affects how harsh punishments become. During the 2011 London riots, people received sentences 25% longer than usual because of the media hype around the events. This shows how public pressure from dramatic reporting leads to disproportionate punishments that don't really match the seriousness of crimes.
Media attention also drives major policy changes. After 9/11, extensive coverage led to the 2001 Anti-Terrorism Act, which froze terrorist bank accounts, and the 2008 Counter-Terrorism Act gave police more powers to take DNA samples. You'll notice this every time you go through airport security - those procedures exist partly because of how media covered terrorism threats.
The Prevent strategy in schools also emerged from this media-driven focus on terrorism. These changing priorities affect your daily life - from travel restrictions to what you learn about in citizenship classes.
Civil liberties (your basic rights and freedoms) often get restricted when moral panics take hold. The media's power to shift government and police priorities means your fundamental freedoms can change based on how dramatically certain crimes get reported.
Key Insight: Media doesn't just report crime - it actively shapes laws, punishments, and policies that affect your rights and freedoms.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m 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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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 it’s 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 didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m 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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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 Media's Influence on Crime Perception
Work n get them A*s
@akeoswell_boaa
Ever wonder how the news shapes what you think about crime? The media doesn't just report what happens - it actually changes how scared you are, who you think criminals are, and even how harsh punishments become. Understanding this impact... Show more
Media Representations and Moral Panic
You've probably noticed how certain news stories seem to blow up everywhere, making issues feel way bigger than they actually are. This is called moral panic - when media coverage makes the public react in an exaggerated, panicky way to something that's happened.
Stanley Cohen coined this term in his 1973 study 'Folk Devils and Moral Panics'. He showed how media creates "folk devils" - groups of people who get blamed and demonised when moral panic spreads. The reporting is usually over the top, so public reaction becomes completely inflated.
A perfect example happened in the 1960s with the Mods vs Rockers clashes. When fights broke out between these youth groups at Brighton Beach in May 1964, newspapers ran headlines like "Wild ones invade seaside - 97 arrests". This made ordinary families terrified to go on seaside holidays, even though the actual incidents were relatively minor skirmishes between teenagers in different fashion styles.
Think About It: Next time you see dramatic crime headlines, ask yourself - is this creating unnecessary fear about something quite rare?
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How Media Changes What We Fear
The weird thing about crime coverage is that it often doesn't match reality. Research shows crime rates are actually decreasing - the Crime Survey for England and Wales found a 4% drop in recorded crime and 19% fewer victims in 2020. Yet heavy media coverage makes people think crime is getting worse.
This mismatch creates real problems. The 'Good Childhood Report' revealed how many children are affected by fears about local crime, often keeping them indoors unnecessarily. Parents worry about abductions and abuse because of over-reporting, even though these crimes are statistically very rare.
Media stereotyping also shapes who we think criminals are. Young people get labelled as "hoodies" and thugs, leading to more stop-and-search encounters with police. This creates a cycle where certain groups face more suspicion simply because of how they're portrayed in news and entertainment.
Islamophobia is another example - prejudice against Muslims increased after certain media portrayals linked Islam with terrorism, affecting how the public perceives both crime and specific communities.
Reality Check: Crime statistics show most areas are safer than media coverage suggests, so don't let sensationalised reporting control your daily fears.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Media Influence on Punishment and Policy
Here's something that might surprise you - media coverage actually affects how harsh punishments become. During the 2011 London riots, people received sentences 25% longer than usual because of the media hype around the events. This shows how public pressure from dramatic reporting leads to disproportionate punishments that don't really match the seriousness of crimes.
Media attention also drives major policy changes. After 9/11, extensive coverage led to the 2001 Anti-Terrorism Act, which froze terrorist bank accounts, and the 2008 Counter-Terrorism Act gave police more powers to take DNA samples. You'll notice this every time you go through airport security - those procedures exist partly because of how media covered terrorism threats.
The Prevent strategy in schools also emerged from this media-driven focus on terrorism. These changing priorities affect your daily life - from travel restrictions to what you learn about in citizenship classes.
Civil liberties (your basic rights and freedoms) often get restricted when moral panics take hold. The media's power to shift government and police priorities means your fundamental freedoms can change based on how dramatically certain crimes get reported.
Key Insight: Media doesn't just report crime - it actively shapes laws, punishments, and policies that affect your rights and freedoms.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
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.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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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 it’s 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 didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m 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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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 it’s 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 didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m 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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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