The creators of the true crime podcast Serial disclosed that their initial series had been downloaded over 211 million times, Netflix’s Making a Murderer topped its 2018 list of most binge-watched TV shows, and in the UK, three dedicated true crime TV channels are reaching more than five million viewers monthly. Classified as real-life accounts involving actual individuals, what is it about these stories of violence, aggression, and often grisly events that captivate such a large audience? Let’s find out:
Psychological Aspects
Curiosity and dealing with distress
At the core of our interest lies a natural curiosity about the darker facets of human behavior. True crime narratives allow us to safely explore these morbid curiosities, offering insights into potential dangers without exposing ourselves to real harm. In a recent talk with the New York Post, Dr. Coltan Scrivner, a research scientist, suggested that this fascination likely has primal origins dating back 300,000 years, coinciding with the emergence of language and proactive aggression among humans. Scrivner explains that understanding dangerous individuals was crucial for survival, enabling early humans to identify potential threats within their communities.
Feeling prepared
Additionally, true crime can instill a sense of readiness and reduce feelings of vulnerability to real-world dangers. According to a survey by OnePoll, 76% of true crime enthusiasts believe that consuming such content helps them avoid similar situations in their own lives. By comprehending criminal behaviors and patterns, individuals may feel better equipped to recognize signs of danger and protect themselves.
Interestingly, women are particularly drawn to true crime. Approximately 70% of true crime podcast listeners are women, possibly reflecting a heightened awareness of personal safety and vulnerability. Despite men comprising 95% of homicide convicts and 79% of victims, many true crime stories focus on female victims, underscoring societal concerns about violence against women and resonating deeply with female audiences.
These narratives often highlight the resilience of female victims, forging powerful emotional connections and fueling quests for justice. They also impart practical safety advice. Research indicates that women gravitate towards true crime stories that offer survival strategies and insights into criminal psychology, empowering them to recognize danger and safeguard themselves in real-life situations.
Fascination with malevolence
True crime narratives allow us to peer into the minds of those who commit heinous acts, tapping into a “fundamental human impulse,” as forensic psychologists describe the act of murder. Our fascination with the struggle between good and evil begins in childhood and persists throughout our lives. We are intrigued by the motivations behind extreme acts of violence because they are so far removed from our own experiences. According to author Caitlin Rother, exploring these psychological depths helps us protect ourselves and satisfies our curiosity about aberrant behavior.
Bystander apathy
Similar to our inability to look away from car accidents or natural disasters, the gruesome nature of serial killings and violent crimes captures our attention. Psychologists argue that this reflects a broader societal fixation on violence and disaster—events that are horrifying yet impossible to ignore. True crime narratives give an odd feel of respite by admitting that while awful things occur, they happen to others. This “better them than me” mentality, known as bystander apathy, plays a significant role in our fascination with true crime.
Handling out individual frights and emotions
True crime stories often evoke intense emotional responses, fostering empathy for victims and a thirst for justice. These narratives prompt us to contemplate moral and ethical questions, pondering concepts of right and wrong and reflecting on the impact of crime on individuals and their families. Psychologists suggest that engaging with true crime allows us to connect with our darkest emotions in a controlled setting. This emotional connection can be almost therapeutic, as we seek the moral clarity and emotional engagement these stories provide repeatedly.
Social and Ethnic Impacts
Social closeness
True crime narratives often foster a sense of community and belonging among enthusiasts. Whether through discussing theories over coffee or participating in online forums, shared interests in these stories can create strong bonds. This communal aspect of true crime makes it a popular topic in various social settings. Online communities and social media groups dedicated to true crime discussions illustrate how these stories bring people together, facilitating interactions and creating a shared sense of purpose.
Cultural stories
As previously mentioned, technology has transformed true crime into a collaborative experience. Online platforms such as forums and social media groups have nurtured vibrant communities where enthusiasts exchange ideas, theories, and emotional support. These digital spaces deepen our engagement with true crime content and foster a shared sense of purpose. Whether dissecting a case on Reddit or joining a discussion group on Facebook, these interactions make the experience more immersive and interconnected, attracting those seeking connection and ensuring their return for more.