What finding comfort in true crime can cost us

It starts with a podcast about your journey. A post-dinner Netflix binge. A YouTube rabbit hole before bed. For many, true crime has become a favorite way to relax. But psychologists say the comfort could be masking something deeper. The popularity of the genre raises questions about how we deal with trauma, fear and justice.

The rise of true crime culture

True crime has become mainstream. Once a niche genre, it now streams alongside romantic comedies and dramas, attracting millions with each release. Each new series sparks online buzz, Reddit threads and amateur investigations. Viewers dig through files, map timelines and debate motives. While this scavenger hunt can be informative and sometimes thought-provoking, it also prompts a closer look at why we turn to tragedy for entertainment.

Audio platforms have followed suit. True crime podcasts now dominate the listening charts, attracting audiences with suspenseful storytelling and the promise of answers. But experts say comfort may not be what it seems.

Why do we indulge in violence?

In a 2023 interview on The Mel Robbins Podcast, Clinical psychologist Dr Thema Bryant warned that watching real crime to relax can signal unresolved trauma. “If your idea of ​​unwinding before bed is watching three episodes of Law & Order,” she said, “then I encourage you to think about why trauma relaxes you.”

@melrobbins If your idea of ​​“relaxing” before bed is watching a few episodes of Law & Order (or any other true crime show), listen up. @dr.thema has a very important question for you: “Why does trauma relax me?” » This was just ONE of the many incredible mic-dropping moments and knowledge bombs that Dr. Thema, the current president of the American Psychological Association, drops in this episode. Listen now! 🎧 “6 Signs You’re Disconnected from Your Power and How to Reclaim It: Life-Changing Advice from the Remarkable Dr. Thema Bryant” #melrobbins #melrobbinspodcast #truecrime #truecrimepodcasts ♬ original audio – Mel Robbins

This goes beyond personal preference. This reflects patterns of emotional regulation. According to Dr. Chivonna Childs of the Cleveland Clinic, repeated exposure to violent content can increase anxiety, distort our perception of danger, and desensitize us to real-world dangers. What starts as curiosity can turn into a coping mechanism, one that numbs rather than heals.

What is happening in the brain?

True crime doesn’t just entertain. It stimulates the brain in a specific way. According to a recent NeuroLaunch article, watching true crime can activate the brain’s reward system. Every twist, clue, or revelation can trigger a release of dopamine, the chemical that helps us feel pleasure and motivation. This is part of why the genre feels satisfying, even addictive.

But there is another side. Cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, can increase during intense or disturbing scenes. This can lead to sleep disruptions, emotional fatigue, or increased anxiety, especially when content is consumed regularly or late at night.

Experts also point out that our brains are hardwired to look for threats. True crime exploits this instinct, providing a sense of control or preparation. But when consumed too often, it can reinforce fear rather than reduce it.

In short, true crime can feel rewarding and educational. But it also has the potential to overstimulate the nervous system, especially when part of a nighttime routine.

True crime, true fixation

In 2025, Boston University researcher and assistant professor Dr. Kathryn Coduto published a peer-reviewed study that helps explain why true crime seems so immersive and why it can be difficult to stop watching, scrolling, or posting about it.

His research focused on how people interact with crime stories online, particularly when those stories are still ongoing. She found that many viewers experience what’s called cognitive preoccupation, meaning they can’t stop thinking about the case. This mental pull often leads to compulsive behaviors, like constantly checking for updates or posting theories on social media.

Coduto also introduced the term forensic fandom, a detective-like state of mind in which ordinary people attempt to solve crimes using online clues. Social media platforms facilitate this by providing visibility, sharing and real-time updates. But the easier it is to engage, the harder it becomes to disconnect. His study revealed that:

• People who felt emotionally connected to the victims or perpetrators (called parasocial relationships) were more likely to post compulsively about the affair.
• Compulsive posting and scrolling were linked to negative outcomes, including emotional distress, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating on work or school.
• Women were especially likely to feel emotional strain, often because they saw themselves in the victims or felt the need to stay informed for safety reasons.

Whose stories are seen and whose are not

Most of the cases followed by participants involve missing or murdered white women. These stories often receive widespread media coverage, making them easier to follow and more visible across all platforms.

But this pattern is not random. Research has consistently shown that white victims, particularly women, are more likely to receive national attention than Black, Indigenous, or other marginalized victims. This imbalance influences the stories people see, share, and emotionally invest in. This also means that many cases involving people of color are overlooked, underreported, or forgotten altogether.

The visibility of a deal often determines how engaged people are. When there is more information available, such as updates, social media posts or podcasts, it becomes easier for viewers to follow, form an opinion and feel engaged. However, this visibility is often shaped by race, gender, and perceived relationship rather than just the facts of the case.

This raises a deeper question: whether we address all harm or just the most visible stories.

What we can do differently

Real crime doesn’t disappear. But how we approach it can change. Experts suggest setting limits on when and how we consume this content. This might mean avoiding it before bed, taking breaks from speculation on social media, or choosing stories that honor victims and not exploit them.

It also means being aware of the stories we follow. If some victims are still visible and others are not, we can question why and seek media coverage that reflects a more complete picture.

True crime can inform and even inspire action. But it can also overwhelm us, distort the truth, and be distracting. The difference is how we choose to engage and our willingness to step back when the story begins to take over.

Resources:

Conquer Overwhelm: Your Ultima… – The Mel Robbins Podcast – Apple Podcasts

How True Crime Can Impact Your Mental Health

The psychological impact of real crime: mental health effects explored

Compulsive social media use in crime news: Perceived channel affordances and forensic fandom.