The Effect of Media Exposure on Crime Perception: Evidence from The Urban Residents of Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Media coverage plays a central role in shaping how the public understands crime. Although recorded crime changes only gradually, sensationalized reporting can amplify public fear well beyond what recorded crime would justify. This study examined how media exposure, and social media exposure in particular, shapes the perception of crime among the urban population of Faisalabad, Pakistan. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 150 media-consuming residents aged 18 years and above, selected through convenience sampling, using a structured interview schedule. Data were analysed in SPSS using frequencies, means, the chi-square test, the Gamma coefficient and multiple linear regression. The instrument showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .874). Social media was the most frequently used medium (54.7%) and the main source of crime information (50.7%). Respondents agreed that crime is rising in Faisalabad (M = 3.79) and that fear of crime has increased (M = 3.77), while agreement that the media represents crime accurately was lowest (M = 3.25). All five hypotheses were supported: following crime news, sensational reporting, reliance on social media, crime type and time spent on media were each significantly associated with fear, perceived crime or perceived victimization. In a regression model explaining 61.7% of the variance in crime perception, sensational reporting was the strongest predictor (β = .336). The study concludes that sensational and selective reporting, particularly on social media, inflates perceived crime, and recommends responsible, evidence-based crime reporting and public media-literacy initiatives.