It is no secret that among recent years, one of the biggest trends in entertainment is true crime. True crime refers to videos, pictures, articles and even podcasts that cover life-taking and eerie topics. These topics range from missing persons cases to the most serious and disturbing homicides. Despite these dark topics, true crime entertainment scores top of the charts for many demographics.
What’s more interesting than the sudden rise in true crime coverage rates is the reason for the increase. According to a YouGov poll released, reports find that 57% of Americans say that they consume true crime content regularly. In addition to that, the poll found that more women are interested in true crime than men, 61% vs 52%.
So why? What is the appeal with true crime? With many claiming that knowing people who listen to true crime changes the view of that person, making them seem creepy, it’s surprising that so many enjoy the genre. However, more than half of Americans who consume true crime entertainment say that it better helps their understanding of the criminal justice system, while also increasing their empathy for victims. Some say it even causes cases that otherwise wouldn’t have been solved, to finally have the closure they deserve.
However, in recent years, the true crime community is facing a tear in their opinions. The majority of Americans criticize true crime media for its rising use of artificial intelligence, something that has been becoming more of an issue in today’s society. A high number of Americans, 41% in fact, believe that the use of artificial intelligence is only acceptable if clearly indicated, while 38% remain torn between whether it is acceptable regardless of the circumstances or not; 10% saying yes and 28% saying no.
The true crime community also loves their evidence. It’s no surprise that evidence is an important part of solving crimes in general but in the true crime community, it is an even bigger deal than expected. Many dislike the use of over-dramatized scene re-enactments, specifically in shows like “What Jennifer Did.”
The enjoyment of true crime stems from multiple psychological factors such as curiosity, belief, adrenaline, and longing. In a study done by the ‘Better Help’ business, 73% of Americans watch or listen to true crime because of curiosity, some saying it helped to better understand the human mind, or it simply made them feel safer.
Experts also believe that the popularity of true crime stems from a mystery element, stating that the genre allows for the audience to feel invested, almost like they’re participating in the solving of real-life cases. Dean Fido, lecturer in psychology, stated, “As humans, we are always looking for something new and novel. Whether it’s good or bad, we need something that creates an element of excitement…it can give us a short, sharp shock of adrenaline, but in a relatively safe environment.”
Despite it being popular, it is always important to safely indulge in true crime stories and never ever practice what you see happening in such stories. True crime may be interesting, but trying to replicate anything seen or heard can result in serious consequences such as incarceration or trouble with criminal law.
