Greetings everyone!
We sometimes see some criminal trials getting broadcasted on national television. Some quite famous ones are made into movies, documentaries, or drama series. What can be the possible implications of this in propagating crime? Can it give people ideas? Can it somehow motivate or entice people with a criminal mindset to do the same?
One unfortunate consequence has been sensationalizing the cases and making the defendants notorious and infamous. There are many serial killers and mass shooters who, when questioned by police or others, have made statements that they were inspired or motivated by other prior killers/shooters. They were fascinated with the cases, wanted to build on what others had done, wanted the fame and attention, and sometimes even wanted to set new "records" such as how many people were killed. For some individuals who feel isolated, unseen, and unheard, the treatment the media gives some of these individuals is alluring and attractive.