Coverage Of Street Crimes In Social Media Platforms (Instagram); A Case Study Of Islamabad’s Street Crimes

Dr. Sadaf irtaza; Saba Murad

doi:10.5281/zenodo.17641414

Authors

Dr. Sadaf irtaza Assistant Professor, Department of Media Studies University of Balochistan Quetta
Saba Murad BS Mass Communication IMCG(PG) F-7/4 Islamabad

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17641414

Keywords:

HUM TV, Instagram, street crime, Islamabad, digital journalism, media framing

Abstract

This research examines how HUM TV’s Instagram account portrays street crimes in Islamabad and how these portrayals shape public understanding of safety and crime. As social media becomes a main source of news, platforms like Instagram have changed how stories are told—focusing on visuals, emotion, and speed. Using a qualitative content analysis approach, the study explores how HUM TV uses images, captions, and hashtags to frame incidents of street crime. Guided by Framing Theory (Entman, 1993) and Agenda-Setting Theory (McCombs & Shaw, 1972), it looks at how media choices can influence what people think and feel about crime. The findings show that HUM TV’s Instagram coverage often relies on dramatic visuals and emotional captions, which attract attention but can also increase fear and sensationalism. While these posts keep audiences informed, they sometimes lack context or ethical balance. The study concludes that responsible, balanced storytelling on social media can improve awareness without amplifying fear, helping the media serve as a bridge between public safety and public information.

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