Beyond Time Spent: Social Media Use and Punitive Attitudes

• In Event: Media and social construction of crime I

Abstract

Traditionally, research on the relationship between the media and public opinion has suggested that consuming certain types of media and content may be linked to punitive attitudes. However, the transformation of the communication landscape with the rise of the internet and social media presents a different context in which little is still known about its connection to perceptions and attitudes toward crime. To examine this relationship, an ad hoc survey was conducted with a sample of 1,984 adults residing in Spain. The study aims to understand whether social media use, the way it is used, and the type of platform employed are related to punitiveness. The results show that the frequency of social media use for news and information is less relevant than how these platforms are used and which ones are chosen. In this regard, selective exposure and active use of social media for crime-related information are associated with higher punitiveness. Moreover, not all platforms have the same weight. Specifically, Facebook use is linked to punitive attitudes and also to how social media is used to obtain information about crime. Political orientation is an important factor associated with punitive attitudes, along with perceptions of crime and the criminal justice system, which also play a key role. Ultimately, how we use these platforms and what we consume on them—whether selectively or incidentally—is somewhat related to how crime is perceived and attitudes toward its punishment. This research provides evidence on the factors that require further exploration in the study of social media and public opinion on crime, acknowledging the limitations of the methodology used.

Authors

• Raquel Botía López, Miguel Hernández University

• Jesús Aguerri, CRÍMINA Center, University Miguel Hernández of Elche

• Fernando Miró-Llinares, CRÍMINA Center, University Miguel Hernández of Elche