True crime TV shows the darker side of society that pulls people in even as it horrifies them. Although these cases are disturbing and graphic, viewers find themselves unable to look away — drawn into the details of who was involved, what happened, and why it occurred.
Whether you watch regularly or occasionally tune in to true crime shows or documentaries, the content often lingers in your thoughts and influences how you approach daily life. Let’s take a look at the psychological effects of watching shows that focus on criminals and their deeds.
How True Crime TV Negatively Affects Viewers
There is no doubt that fascination with true crime series and documentaries has grown in recent years, especially with the rise of streaming services that make the genre easily accessible.
But how does true crime affect us psychologically? Dr. Chivonna Childs, PhD, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, explains that too much exposure to true crime shows can be “detrimental to our mental health.”
It depends on who is watching, she says, but in some cases, it can trigger hypervigilance, causing people to become overly mistrustful and even avoid going outside. Becoming too absorbed in these shows can lead viewers to believe that serial killers are everywhere, causing fear even around their own families.
True crime often influences young and impressionable minds in harmful ways. Perhaps the most concerning aspect is when young viewers’ perception of crime becomes distorted, causing them to empathize with perpetrators. In some TikTok videos, they side with criminals either because they are desensitized to gore or view the perpetrators as too “charming” for prison.
Watching too many gruesome shows rooted in real events can blur the line between fiction and reality. This can make people forget that there are real victims behind these cases and that real lives were lost because of the individuals they idolize.
On the other hand, true crime media can also lead to depression, especially when killers evade justice (Casey Anthony's Parents: The Lie Detector Test) or when a case remains unsolved (Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey). These shows can bring about feelings of hopelessness or even trauma for viewers who have experienced similar struggles as the victims.
The Good Stemming from the Bad
While consuming too much true crime can lead to negative emotions, its popularity stems from its ability to raise awareness.
Repeated offenses by serial killers have made people more cautious and alert when going out alone. According to psychologist Dr. Scott A. Bonn, PhD, women represent the largest demographic for this genre, possibly because they seek to feel safer and learn ways to protect themselves.
Although crime fiction based on real events can glamorize crime and heighten anxiety, shows like Law & Order and Criminal Minds provide insight into how perpetrators think and act, as well as how police investigations unfold. This can increase awareness and promote a sense of safety.
Still, it’s important for fans of the genre to step back when they feel overwhelmed. Moderation is key. True crime enthusiasts should also remember that not everything on screen reflects reality — TV often dramatizes tragic events to entertain and attract viewers.
If watching real-life documentaries leads to feelings of depression, talking to loved ones or seeking guidance from a psychiatrist can help prevent those emotions from lingering.
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