True crime content has skyrocketed in recent years, becoming a dominant force on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. And if psychologists are to be believed, our fascination (or borderline obsession) with true crime might be telling us more about our mental health than we realize. From documentaries and series like Making a Murderer to Mindhunter, the public’s appetite for all things morbid and criminal seems insatiable. According to data from Parrot Analytics, interest in true crime shows has grown by over 60% since 2018. But why are we so engrossed in the macabre details of other people’s misfortunes? Explaining this sense of curiosity, Dr Chinmay Kulkarni, a psychiatrist from Mumbai, adds, “People are naturally curious about the world and those around them. Our minds are wired to stay alert to our surroundings, constantly assessing potential dangers for the sake of survival. This is why many are drawn to true crime — it gives them a sense of preparedness as if they’re mentally equipping themselves to handle possible threats.”
Crime Content Craze
It’s 11 p.m., and the TV or mobile screen is still glowing in your room. You are watching your favourite crime serial or listening to the gory details of murder on you true-crime podcast. “It’s fascinating because it teaches me about the world and how far the human mind can go,” says Shruti Vemula, an M.B.B.S. student and avid true crime fan.
But what happens when our threat-perception levels are at an all-time high, even when we are in a relatively safe environment? This chronic state of anxiety, fear, and suspicion, even when one is in a normal setting, could indicate the person might be experiencing the “Mean World Syndrome.”
Distorted Reality
First coined in the 1970s by Dr. George Gerbner, the mean world syndrome is a cognitive bias (skewed perception) that can develop from consuming large amounts of violent or disturbing media. “Viewers develop a cynical attitude of the world being a meaner place than it actually is, believing crime and violence are lurking around every corner,” says Dr Kulkarni.
An avid listener of crime podcasts, Shruti enjoys passing her travel time immersed in stories of murder and abduction. Although she tries to be mindful of how much true crime I consume, there are moments when she imagines worst-case scenarios, like “What if something bad happens to me right now?”
Diva Jain, a student of commerce who also enjoys binging on crime series says, “I have been an enthusiast of murder mysteries and thrillers. So even the goriest of scenes don’t disgust me anymore.”
The popular Indian crime show, which ended each of its episodes with the famous line “Savdhaan Rahe, Satark Rahe” is too real and relatable for Jain to digest. “American or British crime series are still fine since I know the events have occurred on a distant land. But viewing Crime Patrol was like witnessing a murder next door,” she adds.
Dr Kulkarni feels viewers and listeners should be mindful of their consumption as its overdose can lead to a heightened state of vigilance and sensitivity to one’s surroundings, even if there is no potential danger around them.
Trauma Bonding
For some viewers, the allure of true crime goes beyond mere curiosity. Psychologists suggest that people with a history of trauma or unresolved emotional pain may be particularly drawn to the genre. “I haven’t seen many cases of trauma survivors finding comfort in binging crime content. It is still possible for people with unresolved issues to be drawn to this genre because they empathize with the victim,” adds Dr Kulkarni.
Part of what makes true crime also appealing is its formulaic nature. There’s a crime, an investigation, and (often) a resolution, where the perpetrator is caught and found guilty. This structure offers a sense of predictability, and victory in an otherwise dystopian world. However, the serious nature of crime documentaries and thrillers can also exacerbate existing trauma or conditions like anxiety and depression. “Often past triggers and traumas that were once resolved, might get reignited after viewing such content,” says Dr Kulkarni. He explains that you may reach a point where blood and gruesome scenes no longer disturb you. “There’s a chance you might become desensitized to real-life incidents — like a street fight or an accident. You may end up brushing off situations that could otherwise be life-altering,” says Dr Kulkarni.
Pull The Breaks
While true crime can offer a comforting distraction, there’s a fine line between healthy consumption and overindulgence. One should be more mindful of the content one feeds their system. “There’s nothing wrong with enjoying true crime, but it’s important to recognize when it starts to affect your mental health. Just like with any form of media, moderation is key” he adds. While true crime stories may provide momentary thrills and a sense of closure, it’s worth considering the potential toll
on your mental well-being. After all, as with any mystery, the clues to solving the case lie in the details — and in this case, the solution might just be pressing the ‘OFF’ button!