Consequences of Consuming and Creating True Crime

Yet again, another true crime show has flown into the media with American murder: Gabby Petito arriving to Netflix only a few months ago. It’s clear true crime in dominating across all mediums – we can’t get away from it. Although it’s considered an enjoyable topic, we have to ask what the consequences of this giant of a genre.

 

 

Why do we like content which features upsetting or even disturbing images or language? Psychologist, Dr Melanie Houghton says we feel more alive when we watch something scary – some people go on rollercoasters, some watch horror films and some watch true crime… it all causes an adrenaline rush. But Haughton suggests we also get comfort out of this feeling; with solved cases we know it will eventually end.

 “WE FEEL QUITE ALIVE AND QUITE SAFE KNOWING THAT THESE CRIMES ARE SOLVED” (Melanie Haughton)

Ian cook, academic at Northumbria University, agrees with the comfort aspect around solved cases: “I think people like to see justice done”.

 

True Crime Newcastle forum organiser, Joccoaa Gray, suggests this interest stems from the human condition: “we like stories, and we like to problem solve” she says “and we’re curious beings”.

 

Many argue true crime content can lead to good; it can open discussions of justice and push for improvement in the system we live in. Gray says, if a group of people are involved, they can help raise awareness and “gain traction” which can be particularly helpful for families.

True Crime Forum Newcastle is holding their first event this July where Holly’s Hope charity will be giving a workshop to raise awareness of domestic abuse. The organisation aims to raise funds to buy emergency bleed boxes and lower the age of which teens can be considered victims of domestic abuse.

“Hopefully it’s going to be an informational, interesting event in the idea that everybody who comes is going to walk away with something that they learned and something that they can take out in the world – rather than walking around with Ted Bundy t-shirts on – which isn’t going to be our vibe at all.’ Gray says.

 

After Netflix released their show about the Menendez brothers, who were convicted for murder and conspiracy to murder their parents in 1996, their case was thrusted into the media and sparked conversations about their motives and the abuse allegations. Consequently, the situation is being reassessed and many say they may be released early.

But change and justice isn’t always achievable; Gray’s True Crime Club is all about bringing people together and community.

“The positive impact I have is by getting everybody together for a coffee on Saturday, that can be enough” (Joccoaa Gray) 

She commented sometimes the ethics of the discussions is more important than “chasing the positive impact”. She takes the group very seriously and values the delicate topics at hand; she does not discuss any recent or on-going cases. ‘We’re not stirring the pot” she declares.

It’s her priority to create a safe space and enforce boundaries: “I think that I’ve always made it clear, it’s a no-go area, recent cases, we don’t go there”.

But of course, “these discussions are always going to happen …”

In the Nicola Bulley case, the interest of the on-going investigation spilled over; it was described as a “carnival of hysteria” by The Guardian, where “a procession of amateur detectives, influencers and psychics” descended on her village.

Melanie Haughton commented on the distress this caused: “there were an awful lot of rumours… that really did have a negative impact on not only the investigation [but also] on the family.”

 

True crime could be beneficial in allowing people to understand how to avoid or act if similar events occur; a majority of true crime watchers said the content made them “prioritise their safety” and “prepare them for unsafe situations” (Vivint.com)

Asking Joccoaa Gray if she’s heard these conversations in her group, particularly among women who are the biggest consumers of true crime, she replies not really…

“…very rarely do I hear women in my meetup groups talk about how the case we’re discussing is going to help them in reality or in their life, or very rarely do I hear women take aspects of a case and say oh well I’m not going to do that then’ or y’know ‘we need to watch out for that’…

“What I hear is curious people who want to solve a case, they’re problem solvers”.

Haughton looks the other way and suggests concerns about safety (fostered from true crime) can lead to ‘over-vigilance’.

“If all you do is watch violent crimes, you’re going to think that we live in a very violent society, which is not necessarily the case…” It can skew our perceptions of how common the crime we see, is actually happening.

BetterHelp (online therapy agency) lists possible mental health consequences of this (over) consumption:

• Increased anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Disturbed sleep
• Paranoia

However, Haughton tells us not worry – anyone who is able to get up and live a productive life and watch a bit of true crime after dinner – it shouldn’t have a huge impact.

 “It’s everything in moderation” (Melanie Haughton)

 

Creating true crime content requires an understanding of the people involved – whether that be the people close to the case or the community of which the discussions are being shared. Adam Lloyd who hots UK True Crime Podcast says he approaches the topic with respect and “never glamourises” the cases. He values the community he’s built and works hard to keep in an enjoyable space across all his social media. ‘Anyone who is unpleasant,” he says speaking on his Facebook group “we get rid of them” – anyone negative comments on his YouTube channel – he deletes them.

 

True Crime content and creation should be treated with respect and understanding in order to keep it enjoyable and comfortable for all. There can be benefits but it can be dangerous if done wrong…

(Featured Image Credit: Alamy.com, Nataliia Nesterenko)