Scholarlink

<p>Public understanding of crime rates is crucial for informed policy decisions and the development of an effective justice system. Prior research has linked perceptions of increasing crime with support for punitive policies, though less is known about how different media sources shape these perceptions. This study examines the impact of various media types, personal experiences, trust in media, and fear of crime on perceptions of local and national crime rates. Utilizing data from a robust, nationally representative survey of 500 U.S. citizens, findings suggest that Fox News consumption was significantly associated with perceptions that crime is increasing, while trust in media had no discernible impact. The study also found that fear of crime independently influenced perceptions, though it did not moderate the relationship between media consumption and crime perceptions. These findings suggest that media consumption patterns shape public support for justice policies, highlighting the need for policymakers to promote access to accurate crime data and encourage balanced media reporting.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Shaping crime perceptions: how media sources influence national and local crime views

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月29日

查看全文
  • Matthew J. Dolliver,
  • Tova Cohen,
  • Josie C. Leonhardt

摘要

Public understanding of crime rates is crucial for informed policy decisions and the development of an effective justice system. Prior research has linked perceptions of increasing crime with support for punitive policies, though less is known about how different media sources shape these perceptions. This study examines the impact of various media types, personal experiences, trust in media, and fear of crime on perceptions of local and national crime rates. Utilizing data from a robust, nationally representative survey of 500 U.S. citizens, findings suggest that Fox News consumption was significantly associated with perceptions that crime is increasing, while trust in media had no discernible impact. The study also found that fear of crime independently influenced perceptions, though it did not moderate the relationship between media consumption and crime perceptions. These findings suggest that media consumption patterns shape public support for justice policies, highlighting the need for policymakers to promote access to accurate crime data and encourage balanced media reporting.