Kelly Corrigan Wonders Go To on Fear vs. Fact
Dec 5, 2025
Journalist Amanda Ripley reveals that the U.S. is poised for its lowest murder rate since 1960, despite common misperceptions. She discusses how media sensationalism distorts public beliefs about crime and political violence. Ripley offers three critical questions to ask before sharing stories: How often is this happening? Is it getting better or worse? What can we do about it? The episode encourages actionable steps to counter anxiety and promote a clearer understanding of reality.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Crime Rates Are Much Lower Than Perceived
- The U.S. is on track for its lowest recorded murder rate since 1960, a fact most Americans don't know.
- Amanda Ripley highlights a vast public misperception about crime that skews our sense of safety.
Misperception Crosses Political Lines
- Misperceptions about rising crime span party lines, not just partisan media consumers.
- Amanda Ripley notes that nearly half of Democrats also wrongly believe homicide rates are higher now.
Media Amplifies Rare Events Into Fear
- Media and social platforms amplify rare, vivid events, making them seem common.
- Ripley asks whether media could instead correct human biases rather than exploit them.
