Critics argue that media portrayal of crime may lead to which of the following perceptions?

The media portrayal of crime often emphasizes sensational stories and highlights violent incidents, which can contribute to a heightened perception of danger among the public. When crime stories are frequently reported, especially those involving graphic details or unusual events, it can skew the audience’s understanding of actual crime rates and risks in their communities.

This constant exposure to crime-related content can create an exaggerated sense of fear about personal safety and the prevalence of crime, leading individuals to believe that they are more likely to be victims than they actually are. As a result, individuals may become increasingly anxious or fearful about crime, even in areas where crime rates are declining or are statistically low.

In contrast, other choices like justified police actions or increased public safety do not typically stem from media portrayal but rather from broader societal discussions about law enforcement practices. Moreover, a neutral representation of reality is generally not achieved due to the sensational nature of crime reporting, which distorts public perception rather than reflecting an unbiased view. Thus, the argument stands firm that the media's representation can indeed amplify fear and misperceptions about crime in society.