Estudio de recepción de noticias de violencia e inseguridad en la localidad de Llano Grande en Quito

Abstract

Abstract: This research presents an analysis of the reception of news about violence and insecurity by the residents of Llano Grande, Quito. The main objective of the study is to understand how audiences interpret and use this content, considering cultural, social, and economic contexts. To this end, a qualitative methodology based on focus groups and in-depth interviews was used, which allowed for the identification of emotions and behavioral changes when exposed to this type of content. The results show that native residents tend to normalize news about violence due to their adaptation to their environment, while foreign residents experience higher levels of anxiety and fear, influenced by a perception of vulnerability. Social media also intensifies these emotions by saturating audiences with a variety of violent content, especially among young people. However, traditional and more reliable media also saturate information about violence. The study also investigates whether news influences daily and social routines, highlighting the importance of community networks as a simple strategy to promote critical education and more balanced media coverage.