The Idealization of True Crime

By: Faustina Canika Zhu

Edited by: Kei Sipani

True crime has exploded in popularity in mainstream media in recent years. The public's interest in crime has grown as a result of an increase in serial killer films, shows, podcasts, and books. People are continuously exposed to crime media and sympathize with serial killers, sometimes ignoring the victims of such acts.

Many people like viewing crime and murder documentaries for amusement or conversation. The media is obsessed with prominent killers, to the extent where it has become an obsession. Understanding prolific serial killers and their mentality has become a difficulty for many, skewing viewers' morality. Humans are overly preoccupied with decoding the behavior of murderers, which distorts their reality and ethics.

This romanticization and infatuation with serial killers is not a new phenomenon. Criminals in prison have historically garnered admirers and received fan letters, and some of the more prominent murderers, such as Richard Ramirez and the Menendez brothers, have even married some of these fans while serving life sentences. Yet, because of the pervasive nature of modern media, this practice is now more harmful.


The glorification of murderers and other criminals is one of the most serious negative repercussions of the idealization of genuine crime. Criminals are sometimes viewed as anti-heroes, with followers rooting for them to get away with their misdeeds. This is risky because it gives the message that it is acceptable to commit crimes if you are clever enough to get away with it. It also lessens the victims' and their families' agony and suffering.


Desensitization to violence is another result of the idealization of genuine crime. Viewing a lot of true crime content might make people desensitized to violence, making them less sympathetic to victims and more accepting of violent action. This can foster a culture of violence in which individuals become hardened to the miseries of crime and dismiss it as a form of fun.

True crime, on the other hand, has had some positive consequences. It has sparked renewed interest in subjects such as forensic psychology, and media coverage has prompted some to shift their attention away from their personal televisions and toward actual cases in the field. True crime entertainment or podcasts on the subject can occasionally provide catharsis, allowing people to address their concerns from the comfort of their own homes.

People are naturally drawn to serial killers due to human psychology.

Real crime media frequently profit on this curiosity, causing harm to real-life victims and their families. While fascination in prominent murderers and their atrocities is understandable, it is critical that the media and viewers refrain from romanticizing or sensationalizing serial killers. Instead, they risk trivializing the deeds of killers and celebrating the devastation they did on innocent people.

In conclusion, while it is logical that people are drawn to true crime stories, idealizing true crime can have harmful implications. It has the potential to glorify criminals, desensitize people to violence, and propagate falsehoods. As real crime content viewers, we must be aware of these detrimental implications and approach these stories with caution. We must not forget the victims and their families, and we must remember that these are not just entertainment stories, but real-life tragedies.

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