Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture

Pathology of the role of the media in increasing crime rates in society with an emphasis on the cultural criminology approach

Document Type : .

Authors

Hamza Karami Naghibi 1
Behzad Razavifard 2
Hassan Ali Moazenzadegan 3

1 PhD Student, Department of Criminal Law, Emirates Branch, Islamic Azad University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

2 Associate Professor, Department of Criminal Law, Emirates Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

3 Professor, Department of Criminal Law, Emirates Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30465/ismc.2025.50759.2914
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the role of traditional and modern media in increasing crime rates, with an emphasis on the cultural criminology approach. The main research question is how media can influence the occurrence of crimes and whether this influence is predominantly negative or whether media can also be utilized for crime prevention. The central hypothesis suggests that media, particularly through the dissemination of crime-related news, normalization of deviant behaviors, and portrayal of inappropriate role models, can lead to an increase in criminal activities. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical method, utilizing library resources and online data. The findings reveal that media impact social behaviors through mechanisms such as the normalization of crimes, promotion of violence, imitation and learning, and even the glorification of criminals. Additionally, theories such as moral panic, broken windows, and social control confirm the direct and indirect role of media in escalating crime. However, the study also demonstrates that media can serve a preventive role through education, cultural development, and public awareness. These findings underscore the necessity of revisiting media policies and designing targeted programs to mitigate negative impacts and harness the preventive potential of media.

Keywords

Cultural criminology
media and crime
the influence of media on committing crime
the role of media in increasing crime
Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture
Volume 15, Issue 1 - Serial Number 29
Spring and Summer 2025
December 2025
Pages 165-191

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