Kultura strachu w polskiej prasie brukowej

Culture of Fear in Polish Tabloid PressThe content analysis of two Polish tabloids helped to distinguish visual and verbal means used to induce fear in the readers of Super Express and Fakt. The paper shows how the tabloid publications can contribute to the Culture of Fear (Frank Furedi, Barry Glassner). Publishers know that fear is an effective tool of persuasion, and the constant use of fear appeals, among others, leads the tabloids to the top of the selling lists. For years, tabloids have supplied their readers with dreadful news and stories evoking fears and anxieties nurtured by real events or rooted in imaginary phenomena. In the restless time of crisis it is essential to study the nature of fears represented in tabloid publications, to discover their cultural background, historical contexts, and social consequences.