Media sensationalism

Media sensationalism occurs when news outlets emphasize or exaggerate stories to attract attention, often prioritizing drama or emotional impact over factual accuracy. This approach can distort the importance or context of an event, making stories seem more shocking or urgent than they truly are. The goal is usually to increase readership, viewership, or clicks, but it can lead to misinformation, unnecessary fear, or misunderstanding among the public. While engaging reporting is essential, sensationalism risks compromising journalistic integrity by sacrificing nuance and balanced reporting for dramatic effect.