What term refers to an exaggerated fear that media depictions may incite real-world violence?

Media hysteria refers to the heightened and often exaggerated fear that arises from the portrayal of crime and violence in the media. This term encapsulates the concept that sensationalized media coverage can lead to public concern about the potential for media depictions to incite real-world violence. The feelings of anxiety and urgency elicited by media narratives can distort perceptions of risk, causing some individuals or groups to believe that violent acts may be more common or imminent than they actually are.

In contrast, social panic addresses broader community reactions to perceived threats, often involving moral panic or wave-like public anxieties. Cultivation theory discusses how long-term exposure to media content can shape viewers' perceptions of reality but doesn't specifically focus on fear of violence incited by media. The framing effect revolves around how information is presented and can influence interpretation and opinions but is not directly linked to the excessive fear regarding violence. Therefore, media hysteria accurately captures the notion of exaggerated fear specifically tied to violent media representations.