Insight into the Crime Photographic Images from the Europe and North America

USPA NEWS - The importance of learning photography is not just centred on the camera’s technical functions know how, but it is more on understanding and appreciating the art of photography itself. Hence, this study focuses on the function and importance of crimes image photography with selective images in media as the subject matter of study. Image photography in media plays its role in diverting the people’s attention toward its respective, intended issue. For that reason, photography images are a vital part of a media in which photography exploits its, thus we believe that photography has the power to evoke, inform and inspire each individual. Media and society can be closely related to each other. In a situation where there would be no media in existence, it will affect society greatly, especially in learning or attaining the latest news. Vice versa, this goes without saying to the presence of media but without the society as its citizens which will ultimately be rendered the media to disappear completely as it lost its main purpose [1–7]. The media audience or followers are the ones who made this reading material their main source of current news.

I. INTRODUCTION
Media, as we know it, serves as a platform for the community in obtaining information about any news about this world. Media befit a medium to report news and information about what happened in our daily lives locally and in the world. Additionally, media exists to impart the right information to people and it becomes a tool of communication with society. This study, therefore, is to uncover in what way crime images from European and North American Media affect society. The outcome of this research will benefit the students, society and media publications, especially the media. In this research study, the three Mainstream media. Social media like Twitter, Instagram, and major news agencies in Europe and North America are selected to become major analysis material as references for this study. The purpose of this study is to study or unearth the impact of crime images on society. There are two objectives to be achieved in this study; the first objective is to study the insight of social media towards the effectiveness and impact of the crime pictures displayed in the mainstream media.

The second objective is to study the insight of the citizens towards their level of understanding and awareness of the message of the crime images. Photography has a very strong influence on the current society. This is proven when this medium has become a necessity in society nowadays. It’s proven that the photographic image has become an important medium of communication in the world today. Nowadays studies expressed the insight on this issue where the use of the photographic image is not only meant for family and as a hobby to record personal activities, but it contributes a great deal to social development, economics, politics, psychology, and even education. The internet is vast with thousands of photos uploaded on the internet daily and this is enough to prove that this medium is very popular among members of the community throughout the world.

II. METHODOLOGIES
The method used in this research is quantitative. These kinds of methods are utilized solely to obtain maximum information to assist research. According to studies, quantitative research refers to countable items while the qualitative method is for a study that relates to the quality of items that cannot be measured statistically. To determine the insight of crime images on citizens, a quantitative assessment approach was administered in which the result of the study is divided into the total number of respondents who agree and disagree. The quantitative method also was used to measure the public’s insight into crime images [6] [8–15].

III. THE CRIME IMAGES IN MEDIA AND SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS IMPACT TO THE PUBLIC
The displayed images in the media are interrelated to the content of the news. When reading the FrontPage of a social media, the first thing that comes to a citizen’s view is the image. The relationship between images and society is depicted as close due to the function of the image as a source of information and emotional response expressed to the related issues. Photography images or known as pictures are one of the non-verbal communication. The use of solely texts in media would not be of any help to deliver the intended message effectively therefore, the utilization of illustrations is crucial. This insight where it is stated that images can convey messages promptly compared to the use of text. In journalism, images are indispensable because they allow the viewers to appreciate and be conscious of the incidents recorded in the illustration. Images are capable of evoking emotions such as happiness, sadness, teary, frustration, disappointment and irritation.

According to recent studies, these sentiments aroused by the images are said to seek immediate attention of citizens which in turn, it will lead to the production of related feelings associated with the images [16–20].

IV. INSIGHT INTO IMAGE EVALUATION
Every creation of images has its own intended message. Even if it is created for personal purposes, it still carries thousands of individual values. Understanding images that serve bigger connotations proves that they empower society’s life. Images play an important role in delivering messages to the public and their impacts can impart their message efficiently without the need to be explained further as images can do the task of clarifying the information as well as influencing the citizens’ emotions. Images are exceptional in empowering people’s emotions and capable of delivering the intended message commendably without resorting to the utilization of somewhat high-end vocabulary to describe a situation clearly. Countless views born from photography images are gathered from published media or acknowledged from opinions from others. Recent studies inspire images as a part of valuable power to create a world vision in the mind of the viewers. They depict photography images as more proficient than paintings where the images captured by the photographer are natural, easy to understand and authentic.

The credibility of an image shows its various interpretations and no wonder that recent studies stressed that images can be read and translated into different meanings and usually derived thousands of interpretations and views following the viewer’s experience. There are more values of images that need to be imparted. This is discerned as vital in terms of my understanding that images are of utmost importance can aid this study in proving that this issue can help the community in analyzing an image, especially from the local media. These are the main objectives of this study. Images are distinctive and it acts as a tool of communication in the world today. Other than that, images are easy to understand in a short period and effortlessly explained in a simpler form of communication. The capability of an image symbolizes the reality that can gain the viewer’s interest and in turn, produce diverse feedback [21–23]. Images are essential in the world of today as they originated from human needs.

Photography is born from human intelligence. Humans invented it by utilizing Lord bestowed human mentality to serve the purpose of capturing the beauty of the Lord’s creations as believers. From this, images become of major importance to society to cater for their different needs. Images have helped the audience to attain a valuable source of ideas and information, images can also be in simple form and contrastingly, be complicated, full of emotions and in the form of diagrams. Beyond the human mind, images are influential and persuasive to alter their beliefs. As an example, when a piece of news discloses a mother abusing her child, some citizens may doubt the report as it is within the maternal instinct, a mother will not harm her child but with the aid of images of the said scene, these citizens may think of it as it is. In an instant, the citizens’ beliefs will change. Another example is the presence of extraterrestrial beings on Earth whereby citizens will only believe it as part of myths and absurd news. However, if images of the beings are displayed, citizens may be persuaded to believe them.

Insight from other sources has amounted to the understanding of the world of images. Some numerous views and insights can prove the power of images and aid in gaining the right information. Referring to the writings in recent studies, they denoted the statement that appreciating images have to go through five characters which are synthetic, believable, vivid and concrete, simplified and ambiguous. The word image can be described as powerful and captivating. The image’s varied functions, if given the time to study its definition, could lead to the creation of a manuscript that differs from the research topic. Without images, our world will be lifeless and dull. Black and white as well as a coloured image all serve different purposes and relevance to survival. Recent studies stated a view about image as being straightforward and also can be used as a tool for propaganda. Recent studies asserted that images play numerous roles where at most, it is a medium to be used a persuade to people’s minds and action, support composition of literacy, a medium to relax one’s mind as well as fill any void that exists in a social media [24–28].

V. ANALYSIS AND PERFORMANCE
This study has reached the final stage which is the comprehensive summary of the research findings. During this study, many interesting inputs serve as a reference for future research as well as to improve any weaknesses and deficiencies that existed in the current study. Photography image is an invaluable asset that contributed significantly to society and the world. In general, this technology is said to be beneficial rather than detrimental to the media publishing industry. All originated from technological advances that are associated with negative impacts. This is evidenced in every printed news material where photographic images dominated almost every issue. Image is argued to be an authoritative element in relaying a message more effective than having a thousand words illustrating the same issue, furthermore, this has been proved over the years through research conducted by experts and substantiated more in this study. The research findings have verified the capabilities of the image in its role of conveying information directly to the community and the general citizen.

This statement is based on the analysis of the distributed questionnaires which classify the insights of citizens on the role of crime images displayed in the local language in media. It is undeniable that naturally, citizens can comprehend the message depicted in the images. Differences in age, educational level, and personal preferences of media read are not an obstacle for the citizen to understand the implied message of the crime images. Citizens can easily understand the picture shown in the press as it has an upfront nature and direct message. Though citizens have diverse and distinct insights and opinions from one another, they still regard crime images as an influential and important aspect of reading media. Hence, it is not surprising that photographic image is drive factor for citizens to subscribe to media. The result of the questionnaires also illustrated that mainstream media has received the highest number of citizens compared to unknown social media platforms to the public. The researcher has utilized interviews as part of the research instrument to determine the source of a media’s think-tank.

Therefore, based on the reviews on social media, it was found that the press adopts an approach to gain citizens’ attention by highlighting domestic current issues such as incest, rape, child abandonment, robbery, burglary, drug abuse and violent crime issues. These issues are regarded as more personal to the citizens as they are more concerned about their safety and their families. Recent studies have been very useful information to these citizens. Apart from being enlightened about current issues, citizens can prepare themselves with precautions in ensuring the safety of their loved ones and themselves so that they will not end up as another victim of such a crime. News associated with crime is also a focal reading point, which clearly emphasizes that this type of news is appealing to the community especially the citizens in each country in Europe. Curiosity arises when dealing with crime related issues. This is because the citizen feels intimidated by current criminal issues causing the citizen to be attentive to the developments of domestic happenings that have a connection with the crime.

In the early part of this research, three major local social media in European native languages were listed which will contribute to catering to the scope of this research. Twitter and Instagram also have been publishing graphic crime images. Based on what factors does a certain crime image classified as extreme and graphic. An interview session with the editors and the media photographer explained to what degree a crime image is considered an extreme. The criteria of an extreme crime image are A- the angle taken that shows the whole crime scene and possibly the real situation of the scene; B- it shows the alarming condition of the frightened victim, but the victim’s face is concealed through different camera angles or edited through the use of censor; and, C- the images are startling or explicit, but do not reveal the identity of the victims. These criteria are the main indicators of extreme pictures in media.

Nevertheless, it was found that European local language media still maintain its sensitivity over the crime images in which they would not publish the victims’ faces, extreme images shown to serve the purpose of creating awareness and not surpassing the ethical boundaries of journalism. In addition, the interviewed editors and photographers have further claimed that only local, non-EU and non-North American language media, displays tragic and brutal crime images excessively. Pictures of victims in the horrible condition such as decapitated limbs will be displayed without any censorship editing. This is an unethical occurrence and such release is humiliating the victim’s family members it should be noted that to date, the EU- language media still uphold the humanitarian value of respect in publishing the crime images to the public. Having a similar objective, namely to deliver messages and warn the citizens but at the same time respect the values and ethics of journalism. This is one of the moral standards of EU-language media. The social media publishing world has enlightened the duties and responsibilities undertaken by the media.

Each press strives for different merit and management flow respectively as it is being governed by its company proprietors. However, these differences will equate when dealing with similar current happenings, particularly crime incidents that take place in the EU and North America. For media, the escalating crime issues are treated as a medium to disseminate news and information to the community. The purpose and function are the same, to provide fast information to the citizen, present the latest news about current happening and thus help the authorities to prevent the increment of criminal activities that threaten the citizens and the community at large. It is most useful and fascinating to achieve the main objective of the research which is to identify the impact of crime on citizens. The research findings supported by a majority of media audiences prove that displaying a crime image in the media and on social media, has managed to drive the citizen toward a more positive mindset. It can be concluded that the news media have also achieved their main objective which is to create an awareness of current issues among the citizen via crime images.

Although some are displayed in a rather extreme state, it does not prevent the citizen to understand the intended message. Citizens nowadays are good at analyzing and making the right judgment. These also establish the strength of the role of image as a medium to convey the message effectively. The main objectives of the research have been achieved and thus provide a very encouraging outcome for this study. The research objective has been fulfilled and the aim was to study the impact of crime images in relaying its intended message to the citizen. It was confirmed that the published crime images in the printed media have a positive impact on the citizen. But in what sense do the crime images project such a positive impact on citizenship, is that an image is a form of visual communication that is acknowledged by all levels of society. Individual differences in terms of language and culture are never an obstacle to comprehending the intended message of a crime image. The moment that the citizens perceive the target image is an invaluable experience.

This is where the citizens might be provoked to interact within the self, analyzing the image and the subject of the image will bring about a different situation. In this different situation, the citizens will put themselves in two positions criminals and victims. When the citizens put themselves in the criminal’s viewpoint, citizens will feel remorse, overcome with sadness in realizing that they can stop themselves from committing such a crime. However, from the victim’s point of view, citizens might relate to the victim’s plight and experience the feeling of being abused and in denial. These circumstances will lead the citizen to come up with alternative ways to distance and protect themselves from becoming the next victims of such heinous crimes. Such is the strength of the image; an image alone can incite various understandings in depicting the message effectively. There is no need for long texts to persuade and enlighten citizens about the dangers of the criminal act. In conclusion, an image can elicit strong sentiments from anger, remorse to sympathy, and sadness and all these feelings combined give a strong impact on citizens.

To conclude, displaying crime images in media is an indispensable function as it has been verified that it is beneficial to all members of society. Relying solely on text in media does not serve the purpose of meeting the target objective of the news which is to inform or alert the citizens. But the use of images will certainly deliver the message effectively and meet the news’ respective objectives. The press is encouraged to utilize images as it is an effective medium in highlighting an issue and consecutively, it contributes to heightening the sales profit of the printed media.

VI. FUTURE WORK
In terms of suggestions for improvement, there are some significant recommendations that are pertinent to this study. First and foremost, the selection of potential images to be displayed in the crime news section should consider the probable cause and effect, in which the final decision on choosing the crime images must be based on the objective of disseminating information and creating awareness of the citizen and is not purely intended to maximize sale profits alone. Next, the publication of extreme images is discouraged to protect the victim’s dignity and sensitivity and to prevent traumatic experiences for the citizens. In addition, the media audience should be exposed to the measures to evaluate a crime image. This is important for citizens to learn how to judge a picture so that the intended message can be delivered effectively. The next recommendation is that the media publishers should ensure the standards for printing quality of the displayed images. The degree of printing quality can be improved as citizens can criticize and help in improving the existing quality. Ignorance on such matters will dissuade the citizens to view the images.

Furthermore, images displayed in the media are significant to the citizen, thus, it is vital for the published images to cater to the citizens’ diverse needs in colour, size and interesting angles. Citizens should be given the opportunity to assess their level of satisfaction with the use of the crime images in the media, hence, identifying the strengths and weaknesses. Thus, maximum use of text and utilizing good quality images can help in conveying the message effectively. Next, media companies need to defend the truth and be just to the degree that they must display crime news directly and with no malice. Therefore, the responsibility to educate the citizen about the interests of images needs to be emphasized. After acknowledging countless efforts made by the media to report crime occurrences, it is deemed imperative for every member of society who is also a citizen, to review the intended message thoroughly, thus, fulfilling the intended objective of the respective news of criminal acts.

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