Popcorn, Soda & True Crime
How many of us come home from a long day’s work and tune in to some good-old crime documentaries? In fact, it doesn’t have to be a documentary. Since its recent explosion in popularity, true crime has appeared in the form of podcasts, movies, television shows, and nonfiction books. If you’re new to the true-crime genre, a Thriveworks article by Wistar Murray describes it as: “Once Upon a Time, There Was a Murder.” Now you may think that people who watch true-crime stories are ‘creeps’ or ‘weirdos’, but is it really that strange? According to one survey, true crime was the third most popular genre in the media in 2020—outpacing sports and even politics in an election year. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that that seems like a lot of true-crime consumption. Almost too much.
This year one show in particular, Squid Game, a K-Drama about 456 indebted contestants who compete in children’s games for the ultimate prize of 45.6 billion and ranking first among Netflix’s most popular shows in 90 countries, is exceptionally violent . It doesn’t belong in the true-crime genre as its events are fictional, but it is gory nonetheless. Such violent shows are in abundance nowadays. Remember Game of Thrones? That was one notoriously gory show.
But why are so many people turning to such morbid stories to relax and unwind? Are we turning to the dark side? In fictional shows and films, violence adds realism. People tend to like movies that are as realistic as possible to get the adrenaline flowing thus making the movie more interesting. Further, these stories are straightforward since violence doesn’t need to be translated, and shows like Squid Game use violence to send a clear message on Capitalism and human greed.
Violence in entertainment is nothing new. Shakespeare’s tragedies were filled with death and murder, and Ancient Greek mythology has quite a few morbid tales. Even Grimm’s Fairy Tales have elements of violence and death like the evil queen wanting Snow White’s heart.
There is also the “entertainment” that we consume everyday in the form of the 24/7 news cycle that many fail to consider. Everyday we hear about death, whether from reported shootings or COVID-19 death counts. Perhaps this is why the true-crime genre has made its way to the big stages; why keep it fictional, when it can be real?
Psychologist Chivonna Childs, Ph.D., in an article called “Is Your Love for True Crime Affecting Your Mental Health,” states that the interest in true crime is as simple as curiosity. “Watching true crime doesn’t make you strange or weird,” Dr. Childs says. “It’s human nature to be inquisitive. True crime appeals to us because we get a glimpse into the mind of a real person who has committed a heinous act.” This explanation appealed to me the most. After watching true-crime, I would find myself asking why anyone would do these things. I was fascinated, like most true crime lovers, with these unimaginable “characters” like Jennifer Pan and Ted Bundy, and with my own need to understand their capacity for cruelty and apathy.
These documentaries, films, and non-fiction books know how to hook you in. They make you the detective or the judge in a court case. They provide a sense of control and security. Not to mention that the storytelling is incredible. You’re shown the time, the place, every last detail down to the video footage evidence.
There are other reasons to watch true crime, as well, like learning how to avoid being a victim. Interestingly though, this fascination is “more potent in women and minority groups, seeing as they are more likely to be targeted and victims.” In a sense, true-crime exploits this tendency; it gives “a pre-emptive understanding of what may trigger violent crime, warning signs and knowledge from the victim.” The cherry on the top is the “exploration of good versus evil, with a solution and justice at the end.”
However, it is not exactly common to be put into such situations, and the general consensus among psychologists is that watching true-crime can do more harm than good. It is counter-intuitive to watch shows that focus on topics like murder and rape for the purpose of “winding-down.” Dr. Childs says that while “they can help you become more vigilant and aware... you don’t want to become overly reactive to the point where you’re not leaving your house.” If from morning to evening, the only media you’ve consumed has been anxiety-inducing rather than relaxing, before you notice, you may feel as though you’re constantly on the edge. You may also develop symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, or hyperventilation, trouble sleeping, and an overall feeling of nervousness, restlessness or tension. Along with increased fear and paranoia, you may experience desensitization to violence, and for those who have been victims of violent crime or domestic abuse, this type of content can trigger old, unwanted memories and generally unpleasant feelings.
However, it is important to recognize that not every true-crime watcher will be depressed and anxious. The old adage “Everything in moderation” still applies. Every so often, turn on the TV and indulge yourself. If you’re having negative thoughts and reactions, take a step back. Dr. Childs suggests, “Go listen to music, a comedy or something else frivolous in between crime stories to keep things from getting too heavy.” Regardless of the genre, I think the lesson to be learned here is to be aware of the effects the media of which you consume has on your mental health. Track your daily usage, and remember: out of sight, out of mind.
Works Cited:
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/559256/why-we-love-true-crime
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/psychological-effects-of-watching-crime-shows/
Others to read:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47474996
https://spartanshield.org/30321/opinion/how-americas-obsession-with-true-crime-became-immoral/