Reasons we love true crime content

From the Ted Bundy tapes to the Jeffrey Dahmer story, there exists a widespread fascination with eerie crime stories. This genre is represented in various forms, including podcasts, movies, and Golden Globe shows. The question arises as to why we are so engrossed in these real-life horror stories, particularly during times of heightened stress. One explanation for this phenomenon is the familiarity of the narrative formula that many of these shows employ.

The experience of watching crime shows is akin to being enveloped in a comforting blanket of conflict and resolution. The initial occurrence of a heinous crime leaves behind a trail of clues that captivates our attention. We are privy to the meticulous forensic analysis and detective work that unfolds before us, as if we are solving a puzzle alongside the investigators. The ultimate satisfaction is derived from the apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrator, who is rightfully brought to justice. This simple yet infallible formula is what keeps us engrossed and strangely content. Furthermore, murder serves to reinforce a strong sense of moral clarity. The cold expression of the criminal elicits a visceral reaction, as we cringe and shudder at the horrors that the victim endured. It is only natural that we yearn to see the malefactors incarcerated and punished for their transgressions.

It is important to acknowledge how murder shows serve as a reminder of our fortunate circumstances in life. As we witness the vibrant and lively faces of the victims, we may find the series difficult to watch as it hits close to home. However, it can also offer a peculiar sense of comfort by emphasizing the potential severity of our own situations. The presence of evidence bags and crime scenes, juxtaposed with the images of the victims' joyful expressions, serves as a reality check that grounds us and instills a sense of gratitude for our own blessings.

This content has the potential to elicit a sensation akin to that of horror movies, allowing one to experience twisted forms of behavior and trauma from a safe distance. However, it is important to acknowledge that watching such shows purely for entertainment purposes can be insensitive and exploitative. Real people and their families are grieving, and it is not appropriate to treat their experiences as mere entertainment.

That being said, there is an aspect of these shows that is easier to understand and less dehumanizing - the inner detective within us all. Many of us are drawn to solving these cases without undergoing police training, which is why online forums such as Reddit and chat boards are filled with armchair detectives.

Detectives collaborate to exchange theories and assemble evidence from both True Crime shows and factual information obtained through online research and social media. This collective effort has proven to be effective in apprehending perpetrators. The allure of True Crime shows stems from their ability to tap into our deepest fears regarding the existence of malevolent and selfish impulses that may lurk within individuals we trust and cherish. By being vigilant for warning signs and sociopathic tendencies in those who may be wolves in sheep's clothing, we believe we can safeguard ourselves from falling prey to dubious characters. However, the unsettling reality is that some individuals lead seemingly normal lives before their inner psychopath surfaces. Despite our attempts at armchair psychology, this truth shakes True Crime enthusiasts to their core and prompts us to question whether anyone, under certain circumstances, could become a criminal.

Due to an increasing sense of disconnection and numbness in a society driven by technology, where genuine human connections are becoming harder to come by, it is possible that we may be drawn towards the genre of True Crime. However, a critical question arises as to whether it is normal to enjoy such shows and to binge-watch them before going to bed. Dr. Thema Bryant, a mental health expert, suggests that the consumption of violent media may have a deeper reason behind it. For some individuals, the trauma depicted in these shows may feel familiar, and they may find relaxation in watching them. Dr. Bryant recommends that we deeply reflect on why trauma calms us, as finding peace through such means may not be entirely healthy. She explains that some of us may have grown up in high-stress environments, and we may mistake peace for feeling bored. To truly find peace within ourselves, we must embrace discomfort, as it will feel unfamiliar.

Exploring why trauma survivors may be drawn to True Crime stories is an interesting topic. Dr. Elizabeth Jaglik shares her thoughts on this matter, stating that many people with a history of mental illness are attracted to the field of psychology to understand and heal themselves. Similarly, individuals who have experienced trauma may find comfort in True Crime because it allows them to re-experience those situations in a safe environment with more control.

It is worth noting that some people have a quirky fascination with unpleasant things, known as morbid curiosity. However, it is essential to consider the potential underlying reasons for our attraction to True Crime shows and to reflect on whether it is a healthy means of finding peace and relaxation.

This level of curiosity is of a more serious nature than mere speculation about the conclusion of a true crime. It appears that our minds possess a peculiar way of processing morbid subject matter. Psychologists have posited that our fascination with such events stems from a need for excitement and novel experiences, a desire for stimulation and thrill in life. Returning to the topic of crime series, it is worth considering whether it is appropriate to romanticize criminal behavior, particularly given the tendency of casting directors to select attractive actors to portray real-life offenders. This phenomenon can be attributed to the psychology of audiences, who tend to gravitate towards media that pleases their aesthetic senses. Throughout history, it has been revealed that notorious criminals such as Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy were not physically repulsive, despite their monstrous actions. True Crime shows and movies serve to shed light on historical crimes, which affect ordinary people and are perpetrated by seemingly normal individuals. Without the media and news outlets, the stories of these monsters would remain untold and hidden from the world. While it is possible to criticize the portrayal of these criminals, it is important to acknowledge that they bring awareness to the darker side of our society.

The question arises as to whether telling such stories is empowering or a slippery slope for viewers' minds. True Crime has been a popular genre since Truman Capote's book In Cold Blood became a hit in the 1960s. True Crime enthusiasts watch an average of 84 episodes of Crime TV shows each year. The directors who produce these shows and documentaries aim to educate rather than influence their audience. They strive to entertain while also shedding light on the dangers of crime. They know how to create compelling characters that attract a wider audience. While enjoying True Crime is acceptable, romanticizing it is not. There is a clear line between being interested in the genre and idolizing the actual criminals themselves. Unfortunately, some people blur that line and sympathize with these murderers. Hybristophilia, the attraction to criminals, is a phenomenon that exists. Fan edits for Zac Efron's portrayal of Ted Bundy in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile demonstrate the audience's fascination with conventionally attractive actors portraying evil people. The creators of True Crime media and the audience both play a role in this phenomenon.

A study conducted in 2010 found that women tend to be more interested in true crime stories than men. They are particularly drawn to stories that provide insight into the minds of criminals and reveal how victims managed to escape. While the subject matter can be genuinely heartbreaking, these shows delve deep into some seriously disturbing stories. They explore the worst of the worst within reasonable and safe limits. True Crime has become a massive industry, generating billions of dollars every year. We can continue to explore the thrill behind True Crime and satisfy our curiosity while remaining aware of the boundaries.