The Social Construction of Risk: How Media Socially Constructs Risk Perceptions Surrounding School Shootings Among College Students

Author

• Natalie Jobe, Portland State UniversityFollow

First Advisor

Dr. Tina D. Burdsall

Date of Award

6-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science and University Honors

Department

Political Science

Language

English

Subjects

Risk Perception, Media Framing, Desensitized, Sensationalized Media, Biopolitics

Abstract

Although school shootings are statistically rare events, public fear surrounding them has continuously increased across the United States. This thesis explored how college students perceive the risk of school shootings despite the relatively low probability of experiencing these violent events, with particular attention to the role of media framing, sensationalized reporting, and repeated exposure to violent social and digital media. In order to examine how media framing, social and digital media exposure, as well as ongoing encounters with violent content affect risk perception, this research conducted six interviews with traditionally aged college students from Portland State University regarding their experiences with school shooting media, emotional reactions, and perceptions of risk and safety. Seven primary themes emerged from the interviews:  (1) Sensationalized Media, (2) Biopolitics, (3) Profit, (4) Meaning-Making, (5) Desensitization, (6) Rationalization, and (7) Protective Behaviors. These themes included topics such as fear-mongering, hypervigilance, self-monitoring, preparation, algorithmic amplification, activism, emotional numbing, and behavioral adaptations. The findings and interpretations demonstrated that perceptions of school shooting risk are socially constructed through media exposure rather than statistical likelihood. Ultimately, Jobe argued that further interdisciplinary research is necessary regarding media communications and risk perception, particularly within the discussion of biopolitics, including examining who produces and circulates violent media content, the motivations behind media production (i.e. profit, political influence, etc.), and the broader implications these systems have on shaping public fear, emotional responses, and perceptions of risk.

Recommended Citation

Jobe, Natalie, "The Social Construction of Risk: How Media Socially Constructs Risk Perceptions Surrounding School Shootings Among College Students" (2026). University Honors Theses. Paper 1840.