Hooked on true-crime series? Psychologists explain the trend

True crime can make listeners feel both frightened and safer. Psychologists say the genre appeals not only to morbid curiosity, but also to a desire to understand danger and regain a sense of control.

The stories offer a controlled way to experience fear, anger and disbelief from the safety of home. Following an investigation can also make a chaotic event feel like a puzzle with motives, clues and an ending. For some women, hearing about other people’s experiences may serve as mental preparation, helping them identify warning signs, risky situations or behavior that deserves caution.

The genre also creates a sense of familiarity and community. Hosts of popular podcasts can become almost like familiar friends’ voices, while Reddit, TikTok and similar platforms allow audiences to discuss cases, share experiences and analyze clues from unresolved investigations.

But constant exposure to violent stories can distort perceptions of risk. It may make the world appear more dangerous than statistics show, increase suspicion toward strangers and encourage anxiety or excessive alertness. Recommendation algorithms can intensify the effect by continually offering more of the same content.

The genre faces growing ethical criticism as well. The line between documenting real tragedies and turning them into entertainment can disappear when perpetrators receive celebrity-like attention and victims and their families fade into the background. Online “armchair detectives” may also influence public opinion before an investigation or trial ends. A more responsible approach would focus on victims, verified facts and respect for their families.