Why are people obsessed with true crime? What in the World podcast, BBC World Service

Key Concepts

True crime, motives, victims, justice, kidnapping, personal safety, dark thoughts, murder fantasies, vicarious trauma, misinformation, social media sleuthing, cold cases, algorithmic social media, psychological freedom of movement.

What is True Crime?

True crime is defined as non-fiction content that explores real crime cases, including murders, kidnappings, serial killers, and even shoplifting. It involves examining the legal and journalistic aspects of the case to determine who committed the crime and why.

Popularity of True Crime

Several reasons contribute to the popularity of true crime:

• Discussion: True crime provides a platform for discussion, allowing people to hypothesize and become involved in the story with friends or online communities.
• Justice: It taps into the fascination with justice, exploring why someone committed a crime and whether they can be held accountable.
• Personal Safety: Some viewers, particularly women, watch true crime to learn tips and strategies for personal safety, such as how to escape from dangerous situations. Example: The show "Surviving Evil" where a kidnapped woman survives by flipping over a trash bin she was trapped in.
• Calming Effect: The formulaic nature of true crime programs, with their detailed investigations and eventual answers, can be calming. The presenters often have soothing voices. It can also make viewers feel better about their own lives by comparison.

Psychological Perspectives

Dr. Julia Shaw, a psychologist and host of the BBC true crime podcast "Bad People," offers insights into the psychological appeal of true crime:

• Interest in Motives: True crime fans are often genuinely interested in understanding the motives of people who commit bad acts.
• Exploring Dark Thoughts: People may be drawn to true crime to understand their own dark thoughts and impulses, such as murder fantasies. Research suggests that many people have fantasized about killing someone at some point. True crime allows them to explore these thoughts in a safe, detached way.
• Not a Vapid Pastime: Dr. Shaw argues that true crime is not a shallow pastime but a way for people to deal with important societal issues.

Historical Context and the Internet's Role

• Longstanding Popularity: True crime has been popular for centuries, with examples dating back to 18th-century articles.
• Explosion with "Serial": The podcast "Serial" from The New York Times, which followed the case of Adnan Syed, is credited with bringing true crime into the mainstream in 2014. The podcast had real-world implications, leading to Adnan Syed's release due to evidence presented in the podcast.
• Internet Communities: The internet has played a significant role in sustaining interest in true crime. Websites like Websleuths (1999) and Reddit forums allowed people to discuss cases.
• Algorithmic Social Media: Algorithmic social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have amplified the reach of true crime content, creating frenzies and affecting real-life cases.

Negative Consequences

• Misinformation: Social media sleuths can spread misinformation and accuse the wrong people. Example: The Gabby Petito case, where TikTok creators made videos with conjecture and false accusations.
• Disrespect to Victims and Families: True crime content can be disrespectful to victims and their families, especially when it treats cases as entertainment.
• Vicarious Trauma: Viewers can experience vicarious trauma, especially with the increasing use of frontline camera footage (body-worn cameras, Nest Cams). This can lead to flashbacks and psychological distress.
• Fear Mongering: Constant exposure to true crime narratives, particularly those involving sexual assault, can lead to fear mongering and limit women's psychological freedom of movement.

Positive Impacts

• Reinvigorating Cold Cases: True crime podcasts can reinvigorate interest in cold cases, leading to new evidence and sentencing. Example: An Australian podcast that helped piece together evidence in a cold case murder, resulting in the husband's conviction.
• Aiding Investigations: Social media can sometimes help investigations. Example: In the Gabby Petito case, a couple on a similar van trip provided camera footage that helped investigators.

Conclusion

True crime is a complex genre with both positive and negative aspects. While it can provide a platform for discussion, justice, and personal safety tips, it can also lead to misinformation, disrespect for victims, vicarious trauma, and fear mongering. The internet, particularly algorithmic social media, has amplified the reach and impact of true crime content. It is important to be mindful of the potential consequences and to consume true crime content responsibly.