In the age of streaming platforms, consuming content has become more accessible. True crime shows seem to be the most popular genre on streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc. There tends to be something appealing about this genre that pulls the audience to binge-watch shows in one sitting. If you, too, are a true-crime fan, we suggest you get through the end of this article to understand why that might not be a trait to have.
Can Watching Too Much True Crime Shows Be Problematic?
Do you find yourself falling asleep to true crime shows like The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, Candy, Black Bird, and Inventing Anna, among others? Well, you might need to introspect and ask yourself why these dark crime shows relax your brain.
Dr Thema Bryant, who is a psychologist, recently sat down with Mel Robbins for her podcast show, The Mel Robbins Podcast. While discussing how individuals can reconnect and heal from hardships they’ve faced in life, Dr Bryant touched upon the subject of how consuming violent media can be a bad sign. She said-
“If your idea of relaxing before you go to sleep is to watch three episodes of Law and Order , [then] I would encourage you to think about ‘why is trauma relaxing to me?’
As a mental health expert, Dr Bryant touched upon the subject of how traumatic experiences can make people feel calm and relaxed when they’re watching something similar to their own experiences. She added-
“That’s what it is. Harm, crime, violation, attacks, and that’s what is going to soothe me into my bedtime.”
Mel Robbins, the podcast host, then posed Dr Bryant with a question when her clients come for their therapy sessions what do they tell her about their connection with true crime shows? She explained that a lot of her clients find it ‘normal and familiar.’
“Some of us grew up in high-stress [situations], so people mistake peace for boring. And it’s like, to come home to yourself you have to lean into the discomfort because it’s gonna feel unfamiliar.”
A clip from the podcast was shared on Mel Robbins’ TikTok account and a lot of people responded to the clip with their thoughts about Dr Bryant’s inputs.
What People Think About Watching Finding True Crime Soothing
After the video clip of Mel Robbins and Dr Bryant about true crime shows went viral, TikTok users shared their views about their connection with watching such shows. Here are some of the comments shared on the clip by users-
One user wrote-
“It serves as a distraction from the pain I experience in my own life. I don’t necessarily enjoy it; it simply redirects my anger.”
Another added-
“For me, it’s not the relaxation from trauma, but rather the satisfaction of seeing justice served to the characters or real individuals, something I never experienced in my own life.”
A user shared that they “can’t handle” true crime shows anymore.
“Wow, this really resonates with me. I used to consume a lot of chaotic content on TV, but after investing significant effort in self-improvement over the past two years, I just can’t handle it anymore.”
A commenter shared their views about the impacts such shows can have on one’s mind.
“Consistently exposing your subconscious mind to graphic content undoubtedly impacts your mood and mindset. Healing becomes nearly impossible in such circumstances.”
One commenter shared that they watched these shows to watch characters get the justice that they never got.
“The trauma isn’t relaxing to me – it’s the justice the characters or real people often get that I never did in my own life.”
However, there were some who shared they just watched for fun.
“For me, it’s solving the crime/puzzle, solving the problem.”
Do you find true crime shows relaxing as well?
