Uloga moralne panike u kreiranju percepcije bezbednosti

Abstract

The media, in some of their forms, represent an indispensable aspect of modern social epoch. Over time, the ways of expression and the means available for marketing the most diverse content have changed and improved. The resulting information in combination with propaganda opens up space for manipulative behavior. Finally, as a social reaction to such actions, moral panic arises, a phenomenon that very often represents an end in itself. It is a complex sociological concept that, in this context, arises due to correlation with the previously mentioned concepts. The aim of the paper is to show the role that moral panic has in creating the perception of the level of security. This phenomenon undoubtedly modifies understandings of security regardless of the level of consideration. The paper aims to show the aspects of security that are most susceptible to this type of manipulation and indicates the methods of restraint with the application of basic research methods, analytical and synthetic. Perceptions are quickly created and difficult to disprove, which is a fundamental challenge to security studies. Through practical examples of social and ethnic groups, acts against sexual freedom and other socially sensitive activities, the paper brings the created attitudes closer to the public. A special part of the paper is dedicated to creating perceptions about terrorism and organized crime. These two aspects seem to be the most exposed to the effect of moral panic, which contributes to the feeling that there are terrorists and criminals around us at every step. The aim of the paper is precisely to demystify this attitude and present the real situation.