Moral panics occur when the media uses a scapegoat to explain an issue, manipulating audiences into believing the issue has been solved by controlling the scapegoats. This follows a typical cycle: a crisis occurs and is reported, the public becomes sensitive to the issue and deviants are blamed as scapegoats, experts amplify the threat, public panic ensues, and the government takes counteractive measures against the deviants while rarely solving the real problem. Examples include video nasties, dangerous dogs, and Islamicphobia. The video nasties panic in the 1980s saw films blamed for crimes and censored despite rarely being the cause.

1. AUDIENCES KEY CONCEPTS IN MEDIA- MORAL PANICS

3. MORAL PANICS A Crisis or event happens And is reported in the Media SENSIFICATION: The Public become sensitive To the issue WITCH HUNT: Deviants In society are found and Become folk devils/ Scapegoats for the issue. AMPLIFICATION: Primary Definers-Drs, Scotland Yard, BBFC, Government add definition to The issue of the deviant, it now Appears to be FACT! PANIC: The deviant issue Is escalated; the original Problem disguised. There is Panic in general public. COUNTER-ACTION: Government/ Legislation/ Punishment is agreed on to Take action against the Deviants.