sensationalism theory

Sensationalism theory suggests that media often emphasizes dramatic, exciting, or shocking stories to attract more attention and viewers, sometimes at the expense of accuracy or depth. This approach aims to evoke strong emotional reactions, increasing audience engagement and circulation, but can lead to distorted perceptions of reality. Essentially, media outlets might prioritize sensational content because it sells better, influencing public perception and opinion by highlighting sensational aspects rather than presenting balanced information.