Why We're Obsessed with True Crime

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been hooked on true crime shows, whether it’s a Netflix series like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story or Making a Murderer, or a podcast like Serial or MrBallen. But why are so many of us fascinated by these shows and documentaries? And why have we turned real-life horrors and suffering into an entertaining pastime activity, both as individuals and as a society?

Our fascination with true crime isn’t something new; people have been drawn to stories of crime and mystery for centuries, but the genre is said to have really taken off in 1965 when Truman Capote wrote his book In Cold Blood, considered the very first modern true crime book. Fast forward to today, with the rise of the internet and streaming platforms, true crime has grown from a niche interest into a mainstream genre watched by tens of millions of people worldwide. According to a YouGov poll from 2022, about half of Americans consume some form of true crime content, and many dive deep into online discussions about real crimes or unsolved mysteries or participate in amateur sleuthing. But how exactly does crime draw us in so deeply, dominating streaming and podcast platforms?

As a true crime enthusiast, I often find myself questioning the moral and ethical aspects of this genre. Sure, it’s clear that these shows are so engaging and captivating because they deal with real-life events that we, as humans, are more likely to relate to and indulge in compared to fictional events. But are we taking advantage of real people’s traumas who are sometimes not even given a voice, all for the sake of entertainment?

For example, a story’s tendency to sensationalize horrible events might lead to a lack of accuracy or empathy toward the victims when their story is told. This may naturally result in a family feeling extreme discomfort when seeing their relative’s tragedy and pain being sold for profit – sometimes without their consent – not to mention the harassment of family members or the occasional glorification or romanticization of the perpetrators instead of giving a voice to the victims themselves. Ultimately, this all comes down to whether we’re comfortable with the moral cost true crime carries and whether we can enjoy the entertainment this genre offers, knowing that sometimes, many families get exploited and victims are misrepresented.

Nonetheless, many people, including myself, simply can’t resist the temptation; we’re inexplicably drawn to mysteries and crime, and the moral implications of it all can be somewhat avoided by choosing podcasts, shows, or documentaries where the creator is ethical and emphasizes the victim instead of the perpetrator, making sure they tell their stories in a compelling and gripping yet empathetic, respectful and accurate way. But why exactly do these stories keep us on the edge of our seat, constantly coming back for more?

For one, as mentioned previously, we’re more drawn to real-life events than fictional, made-up stories, especially since real life is often stranger than fiction; in fictionalized stories, we expect just about anything and wouldn’t be surprised no matter the outcome since it’s all fabricated. But in real life, with all of its twists and turns, the most unexpected things can and do happen at any time, gradually building up suspense as the story unfolds.

Another reason, according to psychiatrist Jean Kim, is that true crime makes its consumers feel luckier compared to the victims and fosters empathy and compassion toward them. And let’s be honest; reading or hearing their stories draws us in, making us feel as if we were also a part of it, but from a safe distance, making us feel secure – and who wouldn’t want to feel that way while also taking a moment to feel grateful for the safety of their own life?

Finally, a study conducted by Vivint found that while the vast majority of people consume true crime for the excitement, certain people (predominantly women) do so to be sufficiently prepared and equipped with proper knowledge should they ever find themselves in a dangerous situation. Thankfully, it seems to be a good strategy, as a third of those true crime fans who fell victim to a crime themselves said that the content they consumed came in handy when the incident occurred.

Overall, there are various reasons why we find comfort in true crime, and each one of us has our own reasons, whether it’s a genuine curiosity about how the mind of a famous criminal works, preparation for unsafe situations, or the need to feel secure in the comfort of our own home. There also are advantages to true crime consumption beyond the obvious and addictive thrill it gives viewers. However, we must find the balance between a good story and respect for real-life victims, never forgetting to honor them instead of simply indulging in someone else’s tragedy. True crime may satisfy our curiosity, but it’s also crucial to remember the real people behind these stories.