"If Torture Is Wrong, What About 24?" Torture and the Hollywood Effect. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kearns, Erin M.; Young, Joseph K.
• Is Part Of: Crime and delinquency. Volume 64:Number 12(2018)
• Page Start: 1568
• Page End: 1589
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: media -- violence -- public opinion -- counterterrorism -- torture; Crime -- United States -- Periodicals; Juvenile delinquency -- United States -- Periodicals; 364.05
• DOI: 10.1177/0011128717738230
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0011-1287

Abstract

Since 9/11, entertainment media has focused on depictions of terrorism and counterterrorism. How do dramatic depictions of counterterrorism practices—specifically torture—affect public opinion and policy? Using a mixed within-subjects and between-subjects experimental design, we examine how framing affects support for torture. Participants ( n = 150) were randomly assigned to a condition for dramatic depictions showing torture as (a) effective, (b) ineffective, or (c) not present ( control ). Participants who saw torture as effective increased their stated support for it. Participants who saw torture—regardless of whether or not it was effective—were more likely to sign a petition on torture. We discuss the policy implications of our findings on how framing affects opinion and action regarding torture.