Reenactment Based Crime Shows Representation on Social Media by Pakistani Channels and its Psychological Effects on Youth of Lahore

Abstract

This research examines the impact of crime shows with reenactments on the attitudes, perceptions and behaviours of Pakistani youth. In the age of media explosion, especially in the form of crime shows, media influence is a significant issue. In a country like Pakistan, where there is an emphasis on cultural and moral values, research on the effects of these shows on young adults is lacking. This study adopts a quantitative method, and uses a survey data collection technique with a sample of 600 undergraduate students from a university in Lahore, Pakistan. The research examines the students' media viewing patterns, exposure to crime shows and their psychogenic responses to these shows. The results show strong correlations between the consumption of reenactment-based crime shows and changes in attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours of youth in Pakistan. Research findings point towards the need for responsible media and ethical journalism, especially in a culture-based society. This study adds to the debate on media effects through a better understanding of the impact of reenactment-based crime shows on youth in Pakistan. The results have implications for media ethics, production, and the health of young adults in an ever-changing media ecosystem.