TED Talks and the Framing of Crime: Digital Narratives on Justice and Reform

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Abstract

As digital platforms increasingly shape public discourse, understanding how crime and justice are frames in online educational media is crucial. This study conducts a qualitative content analysis of 60 TED Talks (2009 – 2024) that discuss crime in the United States to examine how expert-driven narratives construct knowledge about crime, justice, and policy. Using whisper for transcription, we conduct thematic coding, framing analysis, and temporal analysis to explore dominant narratives and rhetorical strategies, and to observe potential shifts over time. Findings will highlight how TED Talks contribute to public perceptions of crime, particularly in contrast to traditional media portrayals, and how they reflect larger sociopolitical trends. By situating TED Talks at the intersection of media, public opinion, and knowledge production, we aim to provide insights into the role of digital educational platforms in shaping understandings of crime. These findings extend to criminology, sociology, and media studies, providing a deeper look at how crime discourse evolves in the digital age.

Authors

• Cam Marsinelli, University of Massachusetts-Boston

• Claire Venables, University of Massachusetts-Boston