Definition:
Moral panic is a widespread social reaction characterised by exaggerated fear, outrage, or hostility toward a perceived threat to social order, values, or safety.
Usage Context:
Often arises around marginalised groups, new technologies, youth culture, crime, or public health issues, and is amplified through media and political rhetoric.
Critical Note:
Moral panics redirect public anxiety away from structural problems and toward simplified targets. They create urgency without understanding, legitimising punitive responses while discouraging nuance or empathy.