When large numbers of people become intensely concerned, even fearful, about some behavior and their fear is out of proportion to any supposed danger it is referred to as a ________.
A) protest
B) social movement
C) revolt
D) moral panic

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term "moral panic" refers to a societal reaction in which a particular behavior or group is demonized and perceived as a threat to social norms and values, often resulting in overreaction and exaggerated fear. This concept was developed by sociologist Stanley Cohen in the 1970s to describe the way in which media and public discourse can create and amplify social anxieties. Examples of moral panics include the "war on drugs," the "satanic panic" of the 1980s and 1990s, and more recently, concerns about terrorism, immigration, and online safety.

When Large Numbers of People Become Intensely Concerned, Even Fearful