Why we love True Crime stories?

Every now and then, the Internet is "wowed" with new crimes. From wildly successful book, podcast or show devoted to a crime. There's never a shortage of true crime stories and the crime documentaries genre on Netflix is very huge - such as Evil Genius, Making a Murderer, The Keepers and also series like American Vandal that took the online viewers by storm.

So, why are we so obsessed with true crime? Here are some explanations.

1. It is perfectly fine wanting to know more

Having interest in true crime serves healthy psychological purposes. Fascinated by the stories behind the crimes and how the police authorities crack down the investigations, it offers us a glimpse into the deviant parts of human psyche, allowing us to dive into the dark side of humanity. We always want to find out what drove the criminals to their extreme acts, what triggers them, the insight into the psychology of killers, also learning how we can protect ourselves and loved one around us.

2. The media

From the beginning of time, crime news have been reported since the '50s. Accounts of the stories, people began fascinated in the '70s and equally fear of the evil nature. Then on, the media know crime news covered most of the television programmes and online platforms leading to continuous chase for the stories. Especially the violent crimes that goes to the top of the list, it's like when we can't look away from a trainwreck.

3. Adrenaline rush

We receive an amount of adrenaline as a reward for witnessing terrible deeds and think of it as a thrill-seeking journey when we watch about true crime. It is proven to have an euphoric effect on our emotions, which is similar to roller coaster rides or natural disasters.

4. We are playing detective

True crimes are like puzzles that allow our brains to get going. By following an investigation, we try to figure out who's the culprit. The more twists, the better because it provides us a closure after the actual perpetrator is caught. It is said that people stare at bad things happening around us to reassure ourselves that we are safe too.

5. Fear in a controlled way

In the comfortable and controlled space of our own, the threat is posed to be less realistic and becomes more exciting. Such stories are portrayed like fairytales, but only for the grown ups. It has always been in our psyche to pursue our needs to tell stories about monsters. Our interest in what motivates violent crimes boils down to being afraid.

6. Good storytelling

If you tell a story well, people will ask you to tell another. To talk about real people involved in the crimes, interest is easily gained. Most crime shows have a definitive ending, giving a conclusion to the stories hence playing into our obsession. We feel a need to see the grand narrative of most true crime stories share - critical theory, a list of narrative of historical meaning, experience, or knowledge.

The storyline is quite straightforward, starts out with briefing about the crimes, introducing the good guys and bad guys, then answering back to the mysteries that were already built up in the stories. Spicing up with back stories of how the justice system is imperfect but still possible to close the cases.

The constant changes in the world are rapid and sometimes horrific and same goes for existing true crime that reassures us that our doubts are to no purpose and the world still works.

7. Beneficial

Gaining more knowledge about true crimes, we evolved to pay closer attention to little details occurring around us. We can be more vigilant and logically we are able to escape possible harmful stimuli.