Crime Media's Pivotal Role in Shaping Fear of Victimization

Savannah Matlosz

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Liberal Arts

Major: MA.FORENSIC-PSY

Faculty Research Mentor: Doyle, Christine  

Abstract:

AbstractResearch and evidence show that crime-related media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions of crime and personal safety. Frequent exposure to news, television programs, podcasts, and films that are focused on crime may increase individuals’ fear of victimization. The purpose of the study is to explore the relationship between crime media consumption and fear of victimization among adults. Therefore, the study has an aim to determine whether individuals who consume higher levels of crime-related media report greater fear and a heightened perceived likelihood of becoming a victim of crime compared to those with lower amounts of exposure. Adult participants will be completing an anonymous online questionnaire through Qualtrics. Participants will respond to multiple-choice and Likert-scale questions that will assess their frequency of crime media consumption, perceptions of personal safety, and fear of victimization based on the number of hours of consumption. Open-ended questions will also be included in the survey in order to further examine which aspects of crime media contribute the most to feelings of fear or concern. Participation in this study is voluntary as informed consent is obtained electronically through the survey, no identifying information will be collected. Findings from this study may contribute to a better understanding of how media exposure influences fear of crime and perceived vulnerability.