Possible effects of horror movies

1. Imitation - Directly copying actions from films
2. Catharsis - Purging, "getting it out of your system"
3. Drip-drip-drip effect/ desensitization -  Media influence gradually change us
4. Cultivational differential/ mean world syndrome - Think the world is worse than it is
5. Triggering - PTSD from the experience
6. No long term effects

Stanley Cohen 

Folk devils & moral panics

Cohen explored Mods vs rockers fights of the 1960's and found that the media exaggerated the fights.  Cohen suggested the media overreact to an aspect of behaviour which may be seen as a challenge to existing social norms. However, the media response and representation of that behaviour actually helps to define it, communicate it and portrays it as a model for outsiders to observe and adopt. So the moral panic by society represented in the media arguably fuels further socially unacceptable behaviour.

This is relevant to horror films because of the fears around horror films in that they warp or desensitize young minds. Often the moral panic was over exaggerated.


A clockwork orange

• A 16  year old boy was arrested for a murder of a homeless man. In court he quoted the movie even though he hadn't seen it but friends had described it to him
• The press also blamed a rape case on the movie
• It was then banned in the UK

Child's Play 3

• Allegedly played a part in the James Bulger murder, however the boys had never seen the movie
• Was this exaggeration from the press?