Media coverage skews perceived risk toward rare dramatic events

Evidence

We are more likely to remember things that we have readily available, that are often reported; for example, car accidents, violent crimes, and environmental disasters are considered more dangerous than heart attacks, diabetes, and strokes because these extraordinary incidents are reported more frequently in the media. In real terms, many more people die from health problems than from violent influences. — Holm Gero Hümmler, Ulrike Schiesser, Fact and Prejudice, 162

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Press coverage of risk-modeling innovators skews to personality rather than substance — Donald MacKenzie, An Engine, Not a Camera: How Financial…, 1479; Constant unease signified by news tickers became a permanent media feature — Aris Komporozos-Athanasiou, Speculative Communities: Living with…, 289