IAMCR - International Association for Media and Communication Research

Media and Conflict: Escalating Evil

Cees J. Hamelink

The world faces explosive conflicts about the distribution and scarcity of resources, about ethnicity and religion, and about the risks of urban life. These conflicts can easily spiral out of control toward mass slaughter—an evil of huge proportions that is often escalated by the media. What should be done to prevent this lethal trend? How do media create anxiety, provide space for agitation, and disconnect people?