Final answer:
Americans are disturbed by sensationalized media accounts of violent incidents, but the media often reflects the significant increase in violent crimes. Research has shown that media coverage can influence the public's perception of crime and lead to inaccurate estimations of crime rates and increased fear.
Step-by-step explanation:
Americans are disturbed by sensationalized media accounts of violent incidents, however, it is important to recognize that mass media outlets often reflect the significant increase in violent crimes over the last two decades or so. Research has shown that the public's perception of crime can be influenced by media coverage, leading to inaccurate estimations of crime rates and increased fear. For example, studies have found that people who closely follow media reports of crime are more likely to estimate the crime rate as inaccurately high and feel more fearful about their chances of experiencing crime.