Today, media frequently covers public order news. This situation creates various psychological effects on viewers. Evaluating the place of public order news in the media agenda and its effects on society, Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan stated that the frequency of public order news can create an effect called 'mean world syndrome,' especially on television viewers.
Regarding whether reducing the intensity of public order news would increase social trust, Prof. Dr. İrvan said, “We should seek the solution not in reducing public order news, but in presenting it within the framework of ethical principles. It's not the number of public order news reports that causes problems, but the way they are presented.”
Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan, Head of the Journalism Department at Üsküdar University's Faculty of Communication, evaluated the place of public order news in the media agenda and its effects on society.
Public Order News Has High News Value
Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan stated that the main reason for public order news being included in media bulletins is their high news value. He expressed that public order incidents like theft and murder lead to security concerns in society, which in turn increases interest in the news. Prof. Dr. İrvan said, "For media organizations, reporting public order news is not a choice, but a necessity. However, which incidents will be reported and how they will be presented is shaped by each media organization's own editorial policies.”
It Leads to “Mean World Syndrome”
Prof. Dr. İrvan stated that the frequency of public order news can create an effect called 'mean world syndrome,' especially on television viewers, and that viewers constantly encountering crime news can perceive their cities as more dangerous than they are.
Emphasizing that this situation also reflects into daily life and causes an increase in individuals' feelings of insecurity, Prof. Dr. İrvan stated that during the 2000s, when continuous snatching news was broadcast on televisions, people started to become more cautious and careful.
Regarding whether the continuous prominence of public order news creates a culture of fear, Prof. Dr. İrvan stated that scientific research needs to be done to give a definitive answer on this matter, adding, “Even if the media doesn't create a culture of fear, it will fuel it.”
Violence News Can Create Moral Outrage
Drawing attention to the fact that frequent display of violent news can create 'moral outrage' in society, Prof. Dr. İrvan stated that incidents such as femicides and child abuse cause public outcry. Giving the example of the Narin murder that occurred a few months ago, Prof. Dr. İrvan expressed that the media's interest in such incidents leads to faster resolution of cases and heavier penalties for criminals.
We Must Seek the Solution in Ethical Principles
Regarding whether reducing the intensity of public order news would increase social trust, Prof. Dr. İrvan said, “We should seek the solution not in reducing public order news, but in presenting it within the framework of ethical principles. It's not the number of public order news reports that causes problems, but the way they are presented. The problem is the sensational presentation of news and the perception of impunity in society. Society expects criminals to be punished fairly and quickly. The responsibility for increasing trust in the judiciary falls not on the media, but on judicial institutions.”
Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan added that public order news can increase social security concerns, but the media's role is to inform the public fully and accurately within the framework of ethical principles.