Study finds neighborhood apps increase perceptions of crime rates

How often do you glance at your neighborhood app, like Nextdoor or others, and learn about some crime in your area? Surely, it was not the intention of the app developers, but every time you hear of a crime nearby, you might think that crime in your area is rampant. A new study by a University of Houston psychologist indicates that is exactly how the mind works—those helpful and popular neighborhood apps are actually increasing perceptions of crime rates that may not be as high as you think.