When speaking about mass shootings, or shootings in general, the topic of gun control or gun violence often makes its way into the conversation. When analyzing media, Pallin (2021) notes that one-third of publications used the word “gun control,” and more than one-quarter specifically named a mass shooter. News media, which serves as a major source of information on serious social and health concerns like gun violence, reflects and drives public conversation on these problems and potential legislative solutions. Kantack and Paschall (2020) conducted a gun control study where they found that support for anti-gun control arguments reduced favorable views toward more extensive background checks. Pallin (2021) states that when the term gun violence or gun control are brought up, politics and talk of policies also come up. Lemieux (2014, p77) agree and stated that after prominent media events, new restrictions on guns may not have the desired effect and may even serve to undermine the goal of already-existing regular laws that address gun violence in general.
Massive news media coverage of mass shootings brings public attention to the issue in a manner that everyday gun violence does not, even though mass shootings are uncommon compared to other types of gun violence (McGinty et al. 2014). According to McGinty et al. (2014), gun violence tends to only be brought up when the topic of mass shootings is at hand. The aspect of mental illnesses in mass shootings is also important when talking about gun control and gun violence. Policymakers may prioritize resolving severe mental illnesses as a solution to gun violence rather than other variables as a result of the media focus on severe mental illnesses in news coverage of mass shootings (McGinty et al 2014). Following McGinty et al (2014), Sanchez (2020), focuses on interventions aimed at decreasing gun violence, such as increased gun access, aggressive behavioral inclinations brought on by prior exposure to or drug misuse, and mental illness, especially suicidal thoughts. Jashinsky et al. (2016) mention that a more successful public health approach to the gun violence conversation might be achieved through more effective media coverage. Focusing on these aspects in regard to mass shootings throughout the United States may have a positive impact.