Media Consumption and The Fear of Crime in Tehran

The article deals with the fear of crime and the media consumption effects on it. The research data were collected through survey employing questionnaire. The research population encompasses all citizens at 15 years and older in Tehran. Sampling conducted based on Multi-stage cluster method and the number of 1196. Theoretical framework is based on cultivation theory arguing: the more people watch television the more they fear of crime. The results indicate that although overall media consumption is not related to fear of crime, but the use of new media (Internet, satellite channels and virtual social networks) is related to the fear of crime. In addition although nonlinear and weak, tracing crime news from mass media significantly associated with fear of crime. Furthermore, although tracing crime news from mass media doesnt lead to more fear of homicide crimes, significantly increases the fear of financial crimes.