By Haley Kim
True crime documentaries have become one of the most addictive forms of entertainment worldwide, skyrocketing on streaming platforms like Netflix. Chilling stories about brothers killing their parents, cannibalists, and homicides seem to capture our attention instantly, tempting us to binge episode after episode. But what makes these shows so compelling? Why do we feel this driving urge to find out what happens next?
The psychology goes beyond just curiosity. In recent years, Netflix has attracted nearly half of its subscribers through true crime. Shows like “Monsters: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” and “American Murder: The Family Next Door” have soared in popularity, reaching the top ten in numerous countries. Women in particular have statistically shown higher viewing percentages, making them one of the most engaged audiences in the true crime genre. Researchers suggest that “women may be especially drawn to true crime because it offers a sense of control and preparedness.” By hearing and watching others’ stories, women feel comforted and better prepared to recognize red flags and dangerous threats. Subconsciously, they are learning how to prevent and survive a threat since they are most likely to become a victim.
This growing fascination for watching these documentaries is directly linked to part of the innate human nature—our survival instinct. The “safe fear” factor shows the psychology of being able to virtually simulate a thrilling, dangerous experience without actually being in it. For viewers, it “offers a psychologically safe way of observing those on-screen characters who act out the dark elements of our nature as we temporarily identify with them,” and consequently allows us to gain “an understanding of something that’s part of us that’s usually sequestered and unconscious.” Our natural desires to kill or injure somebody that are contained within us can be freely explored in the form of virtual reality. This doesn’t mean that we all feel this way because we’re evil or innately monstrous, but that it is in our human nature to feel the need to protect ourselves against threats and attack when necessary.
While true crime can satisfy curiosity and help some gain a deeper understanding of environmental awareness and caution, it has also raised questions about the negative psychological impacts it can have on viewers. Repeated exposure to these documentaries shows an increased possibility of desensitization, leading to a gradual reduction of emotional response to violence, suffering, and other disturbing content. Moreover, growing obsession with true crime can affect mental health, causing heightened symptoms of anxiety, hypervigilance, and paranoia. Psychologist Chinvvona Childs, PhD, states that “…were always looking for the bad person. Every white van becomes the van of a killer or a murderer” (clevelandclinic.org). Overall, while true crime in its shell is entertaining and captivating, overconsumption may alter the way viewers emotionally respond to violence and how they perceive personal safety.
In essence, the widespread popularity and attraction to true crime documentaries include a complex blend of various psychological factors, from morbid curiosity to deeper human instincts. Platforms like Netflix have made streaming more accessible than ever, allowing us to consume more of these entrancing stories. But as true crime continues to gain fame, it’s important to recognize and understand the potential psychological effects it can have on viewers. And this doesn’t mean you should stop yourself from enjoying a thrilling, mind-boggling documentary about a murder case; but simply approach these documentaries mindfully, being intentional with how much content you consume in order to protect your mental health and maintain a grounded perspective of reality. Because you never know, the line between entertainment and reality can become thinner than you think.