Lisa, I commented on your last post about mental health and crime, and while I liked what you said there, I think this discussion is even better. I completely agree with the fact that true crime has many pros and cons to it. While there are some harmful factors, there are also ways that true crime is opening up discussions about injustice and change for the future. It would be interesting if you could add some information from articles on how true crime shows have directly influenced something that a person or people have done.

Lisa, this is a very interesting topic, and I rather liked the explanation you found on why people watch and consume true crime media “The author argues that this genre can help reduce anxiety in some individuals by exposing them to the worst possible scenario, providing them with a sense of control, as well as insight into the mind of the person committing the crime”. I agree with this, as I rather enjoy listening to true crime podcasts. These stories entertain me for hours on end, as I love the psychological aspects that these stories encapture. I would be interested if you could do another article on the effects of true crime stories on paranoia and anxiety.

I too have never been especially drawn to the true crime genre, though I am a horror fan. Do you believe there is an important distinction between true crime and fictional but realistic horror stories in how they affect audiences? I totally agreed with your conclusion that true crime, like any genre, can have both positive and negative effects. A potentially interesting direction of inquiry would to be examining whether true crime media has been demonstrated to have had direct impact either on criminal justice and law or on encouraging emulations of some prior crime.

Lisa, I really liked this discussion! As someone who reluctantly digests such true crime content, I was able to relate to the ideas and topics you had mentioned in your post. Specifically about anxieties. I find the link between this type of content and anxiety really interesting, and would be intrigued by further research about it. Like you stated, this type of content opens up discussions about injustices, and guides possible change.

This information is really interesting Lisa, especially the reasons why some people really enjoy watching these types of series. I found it really interesting how people like watching true crime series because it helps them reduce anxiety by creating the worst possible scenario. I would have never imagined this was the case. I also found it really interesting that watching crime series gives them a sense of control and safety. I totally agree that this type of content opens up new discussions about injustices and other controversial topics. I look forward to reading more of your content because I feel like you always include important information about topics and I would be interested if you could do another article about the cons of watching true-crime series.

Dear Lisa,

I was very intrigued by your post! I myself am a fan of true crime stories, however, I do get scared very easily. Nevertheless, I was very interested about your stance on how true crime relates to mental health and the criminal justice system. I do agree that true crime, with its gore and horror, has many pros and cons. One thing that stood out to me in your post was the mentioning of how women (and others) can benefit from watching true crime shows. Seeing the inner workings of the criminal’s mind may be horrifying, but it also aids the watchers in how they can better protect themselves and others around them. This type of content has many conflicting opinions, but I appreciate your stance on the subject, and I look forward to hearing more about what you write next.

Dear Lisa

To be completely honest, In my opinion Nobody really knows what true crime is because if someone were to do something that is wrong in the eyes of others; yet someone else does the exact same thing, but they are Special ed; then they would be less likely to be in trouble. Yes I believe that it does promote a more flippant view on people who commit crimes because nobody knows who they really are nor their past. People just judge based on one’s actions, not themselves personally. Maybe they have been forced, no options, no where to look, or turn for help. Yes I agree that without a solution what’s gonna stop more crime dealers from being born, and continuing to rid the world of its little peace it holds onto.

Lisa, I think that this is something really interesting. There is always two sides of any story, no matter who they are, or what they have done wrong. It is really difficult finding someone to place the blame on. While yes, the one why harms innocent people should be locked away, what about their mental health? Clearly this person is not right in the head. Should we then look back at their history and try to rehabilitate them so they can join society again? But then when taking this into consideration, the victims will become upset since this person could have ruined their life, and now they get a chance at life again.

I think this topic is fascinating as a whole, but I love that you highlight the desensitization of death. I think that you could link this to not only our current frenzy over true crime, but the fact that we have been interested in gore for centuries. I mean even Shakespeare was killing off characters for viewer entertainment. You could look at the evolution from the sympathy going towards the victim, to the sympathy being focused on the perpetrator. You could also add some more specific examples of people who have been “glorified” for their terrible actions. Ted Bundy is a great example, but there are so many others as well.

I think this topic is fascinating as a whole, but I love that you highlight the desensitization of death. I think that you could link this to not only our current frenzy over true crime, but the fact that we have been interested in gore for centuries. I mean even Shakespeare was killing off characters for viewer entertainment. You could look at the evolution from the sympathy going towards the victim, to the sympathy being focused on the perpetrator. You could also add some more specific examples of people who have been “glorified” for their terrible actions. Ted Bundy is a great example, but there are so many others as well.

Lisa,
This is a very interesting topic. I am one of the many who are fascinated with true crime and serial killers, especially Ted Bundy. I understand your point about how these movies wrongfully glorifies and idolize serial killers. However, I think they are just showing a different perspective, one from the killers point of view, to people in order to show a more complete picture. When I watch things like this or read about them, I am looking more for the psychological aspect of the killer. I’ve linked below an article that I think explains how I watch and read about true crime and serial killers. I had never thought of true crime movies to be glorifying and I would like to thank you for giving me a different perspective to look at.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/wicked-deeds/201909/understanding-what-drives-serial-killers