A lot of people are drawn to true crime because they think it’s educational - learning what not to do, learn about red flags, learn how to keep oneself safe.
Same reason a lot of people watch aircraft disaster documentaries while they’re afraid of flying. It’s not to get further scared due to the disasters themselves, but to learn what was done about the problems that led to the incidents.
Sounds like a slippery slope argument. Faulting victims for not knowing what to look out for has been happening ever since the first bully blamed another person for upsetting them. It’s not new, and I haven’t seen any evidence that these stories have increased such behavior. (Though if you have a source indicating otherwise, I will stand corrected.)
Consider as well, that access to how the criminal mind works hasn’t always been around. For most of human history, this stuff would not have been studied or understood to the depth that it can be today. With understanding comes empowerment. For those of us who’ve been abused, true crime stories can provide a lot of benefits, from helping us find a better understanding of what we’ve gone through, to increasing the general visibility for and understanding of mental health issues in society at large.
Not to say there aren’t issues with true crime media. Just that it provides powerful benefits for some people.
If it were purely for utilitarian safety and educational purposes, that would imply a much smaller footprint of their time spent consuming that information than is typical of those that listen/watch to these podcasts and shows.
Most people if they want to stay safe/live-long just need to socialize frequently, eat healthy, get enough sleep, and look both ways when crossing the street/drive safely. Because people don’t do those things and they end up dead more often as a result of those things than axe murderers.
Yep, I’m an educational fan. The less I understand something, the more I’m drawn to find out more about it. Things like true crime are fascinating because I can’t fathom the minds of the perpetrators. I want to know what drives them and makes them tick.
I’ve had experiences with psychopaths and narcissists numerous times in my life, mostly before I started to explore this genre. I’ve been victimized and used, and when I learned about the the dark triad, it was highly empowering. I could finally make sense of the people I’ve been around and the events I’ve been through.
I became more savvy and aware. I also got to start healing from what I’d been through. I came to understand more about the dynamics between victim and perpetrator, as well as what red flags to look out for to minimize chances of being in that situation again.
Although there is an inherent insensitivity in the concept of “true crime” being a form of entertainment, there’s no denying the educational value that many people derive from it. I can’t be the only victim who’s found empowerment from acquiring a better understanding of the criminal mind.
A lot of people are drawn to true crime because they think it’s educational - learning what not to do, learn about red flags, learn how to keep oneself safe.
Same reason a lot of people watch aircraft disaster documentaries while they’re afraid of flying. It’s not to get further scared due to the disasters themselves, but to learn what was done about the problems that led to the incidents.
I feel like this is even worse. Can lead to ‘didn’t wanna get murdered? Shouldn’t’ve dressed so slutty.’ vibes.
Sounds like a slippery slope argument. Faulting victims for not knowing what to look out for has been happening ever since the first bully blamed another person for upsetting them. It’s not new, and I haven’t seen any evidence that these stories have increased such behavior. (Though if you have a source indicating otherwise, I will stand corrected.)
Consider as well, that access to how the criminal mind works hasn’t always been around. For most of human history, this stuff would not have been studied or understood to the depth that it can be today. With understanding comes empowerment. For those of us who’ve been abused, true crime stories can provide a lot of benefits, from helping us find a better understanding of what we’ve gone through, to increasing the general visibility for and understanding of mental health issues in society at large.
Not to say there aren’t issues with true crime media. Just that it provides powerful benefits for some people.
I am offended on so many levels.
If it were purely for utilitarian safety and educational purposes, that would imply a much smaller footprint of their time spent consuming that information than is typical of those that listen/watch to these podcasts and shows.
Most people if they want to stay safe/live-long just need to socialize frequently, eat healthy, get enough sleep, and look both ways when crossing the street/drive safely. Because people don’t do those things and they end up dead more often as a result of those things than axe murderers.
Yep, I’m an educational fan. The less I understand something, the more I’m drawn to find out more about it. Things like true crime are fascinating because I can’t fathom the minds of the perpetrators. I want to know what drives them and makes them tick.
I’ve had experiences with psychopaths and narcissists numerous times in my life, mostly before I started to explore this genre. I’ve been victimized and used, and when I learned about the the dark triad, it was highly empowering. I could finally make sense of the people I’ve been around and the events I’ve been through.
I became more savvy and aware. I also got to start healing from what I’d been through. I came to understand more about the dynamics between victim and perpetrator, as well as what red flags to look out for to minimize chances of being in that situation again.
Although there is an inherent insensitivity in the concept of “true crime” being a form of entertainment, there’s no denying the educational value that many people derive from it. I can’t be the only victim who’s found empowerment from acquiring a better understanding of the criminal mind.