A moral panic is a feeling of fear spread among many people that some evil threatens the well-being of society.

Dr Tom Boland of the UCC Sociology & Criminology Department reflects on the notable spike in violent crime reported throughout Ireland in recent weeks and how it may lead to a new wave of moral panic and public fear, fueled by media outlets that thrive on sensationalist journalism. Recent studies have shown that despite declining crime rates throughout Europe in particular, this phenomenon, which often taps into a population's "herd mentality", continues to occur in various cultures.

Talk held on 11/02/2020 in Kane G1, UCC.