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29 Jun 2025
•
How Media Makes Us Think Differently About Crime
Maisie Wood
@alevel.revisionnotes
News Values and Media as a Source of Crime
This page explores the concept of news values and how media can be viewed as a source of crime information and potentially criminal behavior.
News Values in Crime Reporting
News values and crime reporting effects play a crucial role in determining which crime stories are reported and how they are presented:
- News values include immediacy, violence, dramatization, personalization, status, simplification, novelty, and risk
- These values influence the selection and framing of crime stories, potentially skewing public perception of crime
Definition: News values are the criteria used by journalists and editors to determine which stories are newsworthy and how they should be presented to the public.
Media as a Source of Crime Information
The media serves as a primary source of crime information for many people:
- The hypodermic syringe model suggests that media can directly influence audiences' attitudes and behaviors
- Hayward and Young's concept of "Mediascape" explores how crime is commodified and used to sell products
Highlight: The idea of media as a direct influencer of behavior has been challenged by more recent theories that view audiences as active participants in media consumption.
Media's Potential to Cause Crime
Some theories suggest that media exposure can lead to criminal behavior through various mechanisms:
- Imitation of criminal acts seen in media
- Arousal and desensitization to violence
- Providing a "school of crime" by showcasing criminal techniques
- Targeting vulnerable individuals
- Creating a sense of deprivation
- Glamorizing criminal lifestyles
Example: The concept of media as a "school of crime" suggests that detailed portrayals of criminal activities might provide viewers with information on how to commit crimes.
Evaluation of Media's Impact on Crime
While media influence on crime is widely discussed, it's important to consider:
- Not everyone who consumes media commits crimes
- Some argue that media might lead to sensitization rather than desensitization
- Modern audiences are more active consumers of media, as suggested by the uses and gratifications model
Media and Fear of Crime
Media can contribute to the fear of crime in society:
- Overrepresentation of certain types of crime can increase public anxiety
- The concept of moral panics, introduced by Stan Cohen, explains how media can create widespread concern about specific issues
Vocabulary: A moral panic is a widespread fear, often an irrational one, that someone or something is a threat to society's values and interests.
Example: Examples of moral panics include concerns about "black muggings" in the 1970s, HIV/AIDS in the 1980s, and current fears about knife crime.
Media's Influence on Crime Perceptions
This lesson explores various perspectives on how media influences our understanding of crime and its societal impact. It delves into the ways media represents criminals, victims, and law enforcement, as well as the potential effects of this representation on public perception and behavior.
Sociological Perspectives on Media and Crime
Different sociological viewpoints offer unique interpretations of media's role in shaping crime perceptions:
- Marxists view media as an Ideological State Apparatus
- Functionalists and Pluralists believe media simply reflects societal events
- Feminists consider media as a potential cause of violence against women
- Postmodernists argue that media informs our view of crime
- Interpretivists focus on the social construction of media
Highlight: These diverse perspectives demonstrate the complexity of media's influence on crime perceptions, emphasizing the need for critical analysis of media content.
Media Representation of Criminals and Crime
Media often portrays criminals and criminal activities in stereotypical or exaggerated ways:
- Fictional criminals are often depicted as master criminals, incompetent, psychopaths, or rational planners
- Factual media tends to overrepresent certain groups as criminals, such as the underclass, ethnic minorities, young people, and men
Example: In fictional media, criminals might be portrayed as masterminds like Lex Luthor or bumbling thieves as seen in "Home Alone."
Media Distortion of Crime
Media distortion and crime representation is a significant issue:
- Madel's study showed an overrepresentation of crime in various media forms
- Surette's "Law of Opposites" highlights how media often presents the opposite of what official statistics show
- Property crimes are underrepresented, while violence, drugs, and sex crimes are overrepresented
- Police success and risk of victimization are often exaggerated
Quote: "Law of Opposites" = shows the opposite of what is actually happening in the official statistics.
Representation of Victims and Police
Media portrayal of victims and law enforcement also contributes to public perceptions:
- Female victims are often depicted as helpless, while male victims are shown as vigilantes
- The "Missing white woman syndrome" demonstrates selective reporting
- Police are portrayed in various ways, from super-intelligent to bumbling idiots
Vocabulary: "Missing white woman syndrome" refers to the disproportionate media coverage given to missing young, attractive, white women compared to missing individuals from other demographic groups.
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4.8/5
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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
How Media Makes Us Think Differently About Crime
Maisie Wood
@alevel.revisionnotes
The media's influence on crime perceptions is a complex and multifaceted topic, with various perspectives offering insights into how media shapes our understanding of criminal activities and their societal impact. Media distortion and crime representationplay a significant role in... Show more
News Values and Media as a Source of Crime
This page explores the concept of news values and how media can be viewed as a source of crime information and potentially criminal behavior.
News Values in Crime Reporting
News values and crime reporting effects play a crucial role in determining which crime stories are reported and how they are presented:
- News values include immediacy, violence, dramatization, personalization, status, simplification, novelty, and risk
- These values influence the selection and framing of crime stories, potentially skewing public perception of crime
Definition: News values are the criteria used by journalists and editors to determine which stories are newsworthy and how they should be presented to the public.
Media as a Source of Crime Information
The media serves as a primary source of crime information for many people:
- The hypodermic syringe model suggests that media can directly influence audiences' attitudes and behaviors
- Hayward and Young's concept of "Mediascape" explores how crime is commodified and used to sell products
Highlight: The idea of media as a direct influencer of behavior has been challenged by more recent theories that view audiences as active participants in media consumption.
Media's Potential to Cause Crime
Some theories suggest that media exposure can lead to criminal behavior through various mechanisms:
- Imitation of criminal acts seen in media
- Arousal and desensitization to violence
- Providing a "school of crime" by showcasing criminal techniques
- Targeting vulnerable individuals
- Creating a sense of deprivation
- Glamorizing criminal lifestyles
Example: The concept of media as a "school of crime" suggests that detailed portrayals of criminal activities might provide viewers with information on how to commit crimes.
Evaluation of Media's Impact on Crime
While media influence on crime is widely discussed, it's important to consider:
- Not everyone who consumes media commits crimes
- Some argue that media might lead to sensitization rather than desensitization
- Modern audiences are more active consumers of media, as suggested by the uses and gratifications model
Media and Fear of Crime
Media can contribute to the fear of crime in society:
- Overrepresentation of certain types of crime can increase public anxiety
- The concept of moral panics, introduced by Stan Cohen, explains how media can create widespread concern about specific issues
Vocabulary: A moral panic is a widespread fear, often an irrational one, that someone or something is a threat to society's values and interests.
Example: Examples of moral panics include concerns about "black muggings" in the 1970s, HIV/AIDS in the 1980s, and current fears about knife crime.
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Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Media's Influence on Crime Perceptions
This lesson explores various perspectives on how media influences our understanding of crime and its societal impact. It delves into the ways media represents criminals, victims, and law enforcement, as well as the potential effects of this representation on public perception and behavior.
Sociological Perspectives on Media and Crime
Different sociological viewpoints offer unique interpretations of media's role in shaping crime perceptions:
- Marxists view media as an Ideological State Apparatus
- Functionalists and Pluralists believe media simply reflects societal events
- Feminists consider media as a potential cause of violence against women
- Postmodernists argue that media informs our view of crime
- Interpretivists focus on the social construction of media
Highlight: These diverse perspectives demonstrate the complexity of media's influence on crime perceptions, emphasizing the need for critical analysis of media content.
Media Representation of Criminals and Crime
Media often portrays criminals and criminal activities in stereotypical or exaggerated ways:
- Fictional criminals are often depicted as master criminals, incompetent, psychopaths, or rational planners
- Factual media tends to overrepresent certain groups as criminals, such as the underclass, ethnic minorities, young people, and men
Example: In fictional media, criminals might be portrayed as masterminds like Lex Luthor or bumbling thieves as seen in "Home Alone."
Media Distortion of Crime
Media distortion and crime representation is a significant issue:
- Madel's study showed an overrepresentation of crime in various media forms
- Surette's "Law of Opposites" highlights how media often presents the opposite of what official statistics show
- Property crimes are underrepresented, while violence, drugs, and sex crimes are overrepresented
- Police success and risk of victimization are often exaggerated
Quote: "Law of Opposites" = shows the opposite of what is actually happening in the official statistics.
Representation of Victims and Police
Media portrayal of victims and law enforcement also contributes to public perceptions:
- Female victims are often depicted as helpless, while male victims are shown as vigilantes
- The "Missing white woman syndrome" demonstrates selective reporting
- Police are portrayed in various ways, from super-intelligent to bumbling idiots
Vocabulary: "Missing white woman syndrome" refers to the disproportionate media coverage given to missing young, attractive, white women compared to missing individuals from other demographic groups.
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.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
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 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