What effect do media portrayals of crime often have on public perceptions?

Media portrayals of crime often heighten fear of crime among the public. This occurs because the media tends to focus on sensational and violent incidents, which can lead to an exaggerated perception of the prevalence and danger of crime. Research shows that when people are exposed to constant news about crime—particularly violent or horrific events—they may believe that crime rates are higher than they actually are. This heightened fear can have several societal consequences, including changes in community behavior, increased calls for law enforcement, and a public demand for more stringent crime policies.

In contrast, the other options suggest outcomes that are less consistent with how media coverage functions in relation to crime. For instance, while media narratives can inform viewers about crime trends, they often do so in a way that skews the reality, rather than fostering an accurate understanding. Similarly, while some media campaigns might encourage community engagement or promote crime prevention, the pervasive fear generated by crime reporting often results in people feeling more isolated and cautious rather than engaged. Thus, option B most accurately describes the widespread impact of media representations of crime on public perception.