Posted: December 11th, 2022

Is the media the main instigator of moral panics in the society?

Is the media the main instigator of moral panics in the society?
A moral panic is a widespread fear, often fueled by the media, that some group or practice is a threat to society. This fear can lead to an overreaction by the public and authorities, resulting in discrimination and other negative consequences for the group or practice in question. The media play a significant role in creating and perpetuating moral panics, as they have the ability to reach a wide audience and shape public opinion.

One example of a moral panic instigated by the media is the fear of Satanic ritual abuse in the 1980s and 1990s. This fear was fueled by news reports and sensationalized stories of satanic cults sacrificing children and engaging in other forms of abuse. Despite the lack of evidence to support these claims, the fear of satanic ritual abuse led to numerous investigations and even criminal trials, with many people being wrongly accused and convicted.

Another example of a moral panic instigated by the media is the fear of pedophilia and child abduction. In the past few decades, the media have regularly reported on cases of child abduction and pedophilia, often portraying them as a pervasive and growing threat. This coverage has led to a widespread fear of strangers and a belief that children are constantly at risk of being abducted or abused. As a result, parents have become increasingly protective of their children and authorities have implemented stricter laws and surveillance measures.

In both of these cases, the media played a significant role in instigating the moral panic by reporting on the issue in a sensationalized and fear-mongering manner. This coverage sparked widespread concern and led to overreaction by the public and authorities.

There are several reasons why the media are such effective instigators of moral panics. First, the media have a wide reach and the ability to shape public opinion. Through news reports, television shows, and other forms of media, the media can present a particular issue in a way that captures the public’s attention and sparks fear or concern. This can lead to a snowball effect, where the fear and concern continue to grow as more and more people become aware of the issue.

Second, the media often report on issues in a sensationalized and fear-mongering manner. In order to grab the public’s attention and keep them interested, the media often exaggerate the threat posed by a particular group or practice. This can lead to a distorted view of the issue, with the public and authorities becoming overly concerned and reacting in an extreme manner.

Third, the media have a tendency to focus on rare and extreme cases. Rather than presenting a balanced view of an issue, the media often highlight the most extreme and sensational cases, giving the public the impression that these cases are representative of the issue as a whole. This can lead to a distorted view of the issue and a belief that the threat is greater than it actually is.