Cohen's theory is that fear is created about a type of social group, object or place, which is made by the media, it creates a potentieal threat on the equilibrium of day-to-day life towards the consumer of this media or could make a representation or stereotype against something causing a feeling of fear or hatred with no real first hand expeirience of this or very little. An example of this would be teenagers, MPs, drugs, scousers etc. This causes a creation of 'folk devils' resulting in a feeling among the ruling classes to prevent the problems. The creation of moral panic means that the media can make money. For example newspapers, sensationalisation means that people would be shock by a headline resulting in curiosity, meaning they want to know more so they will buy it. The are five stages of moral panic:
Concern: The group, object or place is being represented in a negative and a potential threat to society causing concern amungst the people.
Volatility: There is a result from the previous concern. There is short term panic from the concequences of this.
"Folk Devils": Cause a rift between the people and the group. There is a difference between 'them' and 'us'.
Consensus: There is an acceptance among society about the threat and others try to actively solve the problem.
Disproportionality: The evidence about this threat is heavily exhaggerated in the media. The statistics and facts means opinions can be made, and opinions can be stretched.
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