What is moral panic?

What is moral panic?

• A. A wave of public concern about some exaggerated or imaginary threat to society, stirred up by overblown and sensationalized reporting in the media.
• B. A calm, measured discussion about social issues reported accurately by the media.
• C. A strategic government campaign to impose policy changes through public opinion.
• D. A historical study about societal changes.

Answer: (A)

Moral panic happens when media and public react to a perceived threat to social order in a way that exaggerates its danger, creating widespread fear and concern that isn’t supported by the actual evidence. It often involves sensationalized reporting, which stirs up emotion and labels certain groups as responsible for the threat, even if the true risk is relatively small. That’s why the statement describing a wave of public concern about an exaggerated or imaginary threat, fueled by sensationalized media coverage, is the best fit. The other descriptions describe calm discussion, a government campaign, or a historical study, none of which capture the sensational, disproportionate fear central to moral panic.