True Crime: The Outlet of Choice
Looking for a way to spice up your spooky season? Look no further than one of the Internet’s more consistent obsessions, true crime. I’m sure we’ve all heard of true crime; a phenomenon that permeates all forms of media today. It is a non-fiction genre that gives the consumer a closer glance at cases of murder, fraud, larceny, and more. Documentaries, podcasts, articles, etc. detail the outrageous and even grotesque acts committed and the investigations following the crime. I certainly indulge every now and then for a good shock to my psyche, and often find myself wondering how and why those involved did what they did. The thought of curling up with my favorite podcasts on a rainy evening invokes the most pleasant of feelings. One thing is for sure…there is no shortage of content to cover! But, what if I told you there were also some potential drawbacks to ingesting this content? What happens when these narratives become too personal? Let’s take a look at some of the major ways in which true crime could affect our mental health.
Some of the more obvious downsides to enjoying excessive amounts of true crime could be the vicarious trauma that we experience with stories of tragedy. Violence can be horrific, and at the same time, impossible to look away from. So, if you are determined to find a resolution, you will most likely force yourself to sit through all of the gory details. Increased paranoia is another plausible symptom in this case; it may cause some to be more fearful of the world in general or distrustful of others. There are typically warnings for content that contains sensitive or disturbing information, but some may still react to a case more severely than others.
On another note, true crime stories may draw our attention to more pressing matters. It may help us to become more aware of our surroundings and adopt safer tendencies. It could remind us to check in on our loved ones and encourage empathy with victims of crime. Not all crimes are equal; that is, not all are afforded the same attention and judicial priority. Common flaws in the criminal justice system are brought to light through many true crime cases. Some people take unsolved cases (or cases deemed unfairly judged) into their own hands, and further analyze current knowledge and draw conclusions based on persistent themes. However, a more simple guess on why we like true crime is due to the rather morbid excitement and thrill it brings to our daily lives.
I would like to end here with the message that most things can be good in moderation. Whether you have already decided it just isn’t for you, or you find yourself with a new interest, I am interested in your thoughts on the topic. If you are a first time reader, watcher, or listener of true crime, remember to start small—Happy Halloween!
