loomingulisation
Loomingulisation is a term used in risk studies and media theory to describe the social and cognitive process by which imminent or near-future events or threats progressively come to loom in collective perception, shaping attitudes, discourse, and policy before the event materializes. The word combines looming and the -isation suffix to denote a process of becoming. It refers not to the event itself, but to the heightened salience and anticipatory response it induces.
Mechanisms include signals from experts and authorities, media framing, and institutional rhetoric that produce persistent reminders
Contexts where loomingulisation is discussed include climate policy, public health preparedness, cybersecurity, and economic forecasting. The
Critics warn that loomingulisation risks moral panic and neglects present conditions by prioritizing near-term fear over
See also risk perception, anticipatory governance, moral panic.