Mass media, known as the fourth estate, has significantly influenced people over the past few decades. It is widely believed that showing criminal cases should be prohibited from journals and television news due to their negative impacts. I totally agree with this statement because such coverage can horrify the population and stimulate criminality. This essay will provide my perspective on the topic, justifying it with several arguments.
Firstly, one of the main reasons why crime coverage should be banned is the natural sense of fear it creates among viewers. Constant exposure to violent actions or criminal activities through media can trigger anxiety, making people feel unsafe even in relatively peaceful areas. For instance, studies show that 55% of the individuals who often watch crime are scared of strangers and being outside alone. As a result, this fear can lead to social isolation and distrust. Moreover, media coverage does not just harm individuals’ emotional well-being, but it can also contribute to larger societal issues, which we will discuss in the next paragraph.
Secondly, another reason is that the media’s portrayal of violent crimes can unintentionally spur criminal behavior. Watching or even reading such cases can inspire sensitive individuals, particularly those with the unstable mental health, to imitate such behaviors. For instance, according to the World Health Organization, individuals who consume true crime content daily are 32% more likely to commit a crime. Consequently, this tendency potentially leads to the increase in the rate of crime. These two reasons mentioned above needs to be considered before demonstrating materials to a wide audience.
To conclude, while the media serves an essential role in informing the public, the coverage of violent crimes has significant negative consequences. It can instill fear and anxiety among viewers, harm mental health, and even encourage criminal behavior. Therefore, restricting the broadcast of such content is vital to protect society’s well-being and ensure a more harmonious environment.