The Impact of Television Viewing on Perceptions of Juvenile Crime

Abstract

Abstract This article examines the relationship between television viewing and public perceptions of juvenile crime rates and the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system. Special attention was devoted to viewers of television news and shows like Cops and America's Most Wanted, where researchers expected a greater misperception of crime rates and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system. The results showed significant media effects on perceptions of juvenile crime and the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system in the expected direction. As viewers watched more crime-related television, they were more likely to misperceive realities of juvenile crime and juvenile justice.