The purpose of the study is to examine the phenomenon of serial killers and mass murderers in the mass media represent. The media obsession with particularly shocking crimes committed by these group of killers and their elevation to a status of celebrities is worth investigating. Additionally, one ...
Does the media glorify serial and mass murderers and if so,
does this inspire troubled minds to become killers?
A dissertation submitted for the degree of Criminology and Criminal justice.
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to examine the phenomenon of serial killers and mass
murderers in the mass media represent. The media obsession with particularly
shocking crimes committed by these group of killers and their elevation to a status of
celebrities is worth investigating. Additionally, one would examine the existing
literature for evidence that such materials presented by the mass media could affect
troubled minded people and inspire copycat crimes.
The method used in the study is mixed method. The use of quantitative and
quantitative analysis has allowed deeper understanding of the problem. Additionally,
the use of descriptive design has allowed to test a hypothesis and answer the
questions when, where and how.
In conclusion, the findings of the study show some circumstantial evidence and
further research on the matter is required to answer the question.
1
,Table of Contents
ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................................................... 1
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................ 3
CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW.................................................................................................................. 5
CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................................... 12
2.1 INTRODUCTION TO METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................................12
2.2 RESEARCH QUESTIONS.....................................................................................................................................12
2.3 AIMS OF THE RESEARCH...................................................................................................................................12
2.5 LIMITATIONS OF THE RESEARCH.........................................................................................................................13
2.6 CONCLUSION OF METHODOLOGY.......................................................................................................................14
CHAPTER 3: DISCUSSIONS AND FINDINGS.................................................................................................... 15
CHAPTER 4: CASE STUDY: THE ZODIAC KILLER.............................................................................................. 23
CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................................. 28
2
, Introduction
The mass media is an immense source of information for individuals as well as
society. It is a tool used to convey information, entertainment, news, and education.
The media is pervasive and significant in terms of our social perception and
interaction with our surroundings. It can be considered as the voice of our society. In
our society, the communication media hold an influential place as well in shaping
reality, forming attitudes and motivating behaviour.
The role of the mass media in our culture is phenomenal, with the advancement of
technology media communication components have expanded. We can access
global news just with click of a button, can visit different countries virtually and
overcome barriers such as languages and cultural differences. The influence of the
media in the modern world shapes the society to such extent that individual opinions
and desires are affected by it and often in agreement with the media. The role of the
media is to transmit reality and uncover the underlying facts of events. The main goal
is to unveil the truth to the public, to show the wrong and bring justice. However, ever
since the turn of the century the news and entertainment formats focus
overwhelmingly on two main things – extreme violence and celebrities.
Extensive research in the area has indicated that media, like daily newspapers and
news channels, present most recent information about many events, including crime.
Serving as the gatekeeper between criminal events and the public, the mass media
have the power to maintain what stays “hot", the power to leave out certain details,
or to present events in the light that is most appealing to the average viewer.
Sensational, most violent cases become especially newsworthy. Cases like serial
killings and mass murders are very rare but appear that these stories are far more
common and prevalent in the mass media due to the frequency and the dramatized
way in which they are presented.
On other hand celebrity culture is deeply rooted in the media. It would not exist
without the publicity given by the media, and certainly would not be as prominent
without its continued relationship. From tabloids through entertainment news
television to gossip websites, society is bombarded with images of the famous and
their lives. Celebrities reside on our clothing and food, telling us what to wear, what
cosmetic to use and even about the next hot spot in town. In majority conditions, the
famous have become the essential carriers of mass media. Sport stars, movie actors
and other kind of other public media images have become iconic and deity in many
people's minds. Celebrity culture has provided role models for fashion, appearance,
and personality for the public. In the technological world of the mass media,
celebrities have crossed from the range of entertainment to every aspect of our
social life. People adore this lifestyle, they dream about it, they get obsessed with it.
With the rise of social media and development of the new and modern mobile
phones with multiple gadgets, fame does not look so far and impossible anymore.
People make videos and show their lifestyles and become celebrities just for the
simple fact that other people follow them. More followers someone have more
influential they are toward society. Company starts paying these people to promote
3
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller yulianayakimova. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $616.23. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
