TRUE CRIME: ENTERTAINMENT OR EXPLOITATION

As a lover of crime shows, my interest has recently been called into question by both myself and others. This has led me to reflect on my own fascination, as well as the broader societal obsession with true crime. Crime, by its very nature, deviates from societal norms, and this deviation sparks a deeply rooted curiosity. We find ourselves asking, why? In response, countless forms of media—documentaries, fictional series based on true events, podcasts, and biographies of notorious criminals—have emerged, offering audiences a window into the minds of criminals and the mechanics of crime.

My own interest in crime is often centred around the victims, why they were targeted—victimization, that is—and what happens to them after the crime, whatever that crime is. I tend to avoid criminal biographies, though I am interested in some of the research into these individuals and their psychological traits. I avoid especially violent content and anything that hits too close to home. However, the conversations surrounding these media forms raise concerns about the potential desensitization to violence. The casual way in which people discuss horrific crimes can be alarming. The sensationalization of true crime, designed to engage viewers, may lead to a disturbing detachment from the real suffering involved. As we consume more true crime content, we risk becoming numb to the brutality of the acts being depicted, treating them as mere entertainment rather than the tragic events they are.

Creating true crime media is also ethically complex. Balancing the need to accurately present the facts while engaging viewers, all without disrespecting the gravity of the crimes, is a challenging task. There is a fine line between telling a compelling story and exploiting the victims and their families for profit. Ethical creators must aim to honor the victims’ experiences while avoiding sensationalism that can distort reality.

Another concern is the potential for glamourizing or idolizing criminals. In some cases, media portrayals can even romanticize these individuals, casting them in a light that can unintentionally encourage admiration from audiences. Striking the right balance—between telling the story of a crime and not making the criminal the focal point of idolization—is key to preventing a warped perception of reality.

Please do not misunderstand this as a call to end the creation of crime media content—I do believe it has its own value. It is, however, a call for viewers and consumers to carefully absorb this genre of media, engaging with it critically, analyzing the media itself as well as one’s own reasons for selecting this kind of media. While true crime will always hold a certain allure, it is important to consume this content critically, considering its impact on both our perception of crime and the ethical treatment of those involved.