= 破窗效應

“If a window in a building is broken and is left unrepaired, all the rest of the windows will soon be broken.” — James Q. Wilson & George L. Kelling

The Broken Windows Theory is a criminological concept introduced by James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling in 1982.

It posits that visible signs of disorder and neglect—such as broken windows, graffiti, or litter—can encourage further disorder and even more serious crime.

Examples

• Urban Decay: In neighborhoods where abandoned buildings and vandalism are common, residents may feel less safe, and criminal activity can increase. Conversely, communities that quickly repair damage and maintain cleanliness often experience lower crime rates.
• Subway Policing: The theory influenced policing strategies in New York City in the 1990s, most notably the “zero tolerance” approach. One of the earliest and most visible applications was in the subway system, where cracking down on fare evasion and minor offenses was credited with reducing more serious crimes.
• Digital Spaces: The theory can also apply to online communities. If moderators allow spam or abusive comments to persist, the overall quality of discourse may decline, and more disruptive behavior may follow.