Have we become too desensitised to true crime?

"True crime" is a broad term used to refer to any kind of content that deals with real-life crimes. A common interest among many, its popularity only grows every day. But have we ever stopped to think how morbid this is as an interest?

Many people have different reasons for why they indulge in such content, but the major ones seem to be that it helps them be more aware of the kind of crimes that can occur in our world. Those who have a fascination for the psyche can use these cases as a way to analyse human nature, and what drives these people to do what they do.

For some, it can even work as a coping mechanism. This is what sets it apart from fictional mystery or thriller stories — the level of reality associated with it is the main appeal of it.

While these are valid reasons, the level of popularity it has gained is starting to become concerning, and with all popular media, there is worry about the way it is discussed.

Many creators do not seem to have the level of nuance and sympathy required to handle such a heavy topic. It is not completely uncommon to see people treat these cases like they're some regular old story, and not an account of a horrific event that actually happened to someone. They recount these graphic events over mundane tasks like putting on makeup, and having food, some even going as far to crack jokes. It can come off as insensitive as it seems like they are downplaying the effects of the severity of what they are talking about. It makes the content easier to digest, which is not what stories of horrifying crimes should be.

Another reason for why people become desensitised is due to the sheer volume of true crime content that exists. It is not just YouTubers or podcasters narrating stories, but it exists in the form of endless streams of documentaries and TV shows as well.

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It can be argued that there is some merit to such content as it spreads awareness about these events. However, it is not uncommon to see that some documentaries have the culprits portrayed by well-loved Hollywood heartthrobs. Certain "popular" ones even have multiple documentaries made about them, and half the time it's not quite clear if the makers just want to inform us about this individual or have us try to sympathise with them.

There is nothing inherently wrong with consuming true crime content. As mentioned before, people have different reasons, and some of these are understandable. But the endless barrage of content that is continuously being made about something so dark, and the rate at which it is consumed can make one question how much care is taken when talking about something so sensitive, and how much of an effect it can have on one's mental health.

Namreen has been stuck in the void for too long. Send help at namreen.shaiyaz@gmail.com