If you’re anything like me, I bet there’s nothing you enjoy more than a Friday night off the booze, settling down in your pajamas in front of the TV, sticking Netflix on and binging your way through that week’s most talked-about true-crime banger. I mean, is there anything more riveting than tales of unsolved murders, rampant serial killings, or eerie missing person plots?
And before you come for me, it’s not that we’re making light of the horror of these spine-tingling true stories by enjoying TV series made about them. There’s simply something fascinating about the extent of criminal behavior, as well as how long a lot of these crimes and cases go undetected or unresolved.
But according to psychologist Dr. Thema Bryant, such a high level of interest in true crime might actually be seen as a “red flag” by some in the industry. Dr. Bryant argues that those of us who consume these violent TV shows examining crimes and dark events might be doing so for a very dark reason – possibly because the trauma is familiar to us.
She explained, “If your idea of relaxing before you go to sleep is to watch three episodes of Law and Order, some of us grew up in high-stress situations, so people mistake peace for boring. To come home to yourself, you have to lean into the discomfort because it’s gonna feel unfamiliar.”
Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, also sheds light on why survivors of trauma may be so interested in these kinds of stories. She explains that some individuals are drawn to the study of psychology to understand and heal themselves, particularly those with a history of active mental illness or trauma. True crime allows them to re-experience those traumatic situations in a safe environment where they have more control.
So, if you find yourself relaxing by binge-watching true crime before bed, it might be worth considering if you could benefit from some counseling. As users flooded TikTok with responses to Dr. Bryant’s comments, it became evident that many resonated with her perspective.
It’s important to remember that while these shows can be captivating, it’s crucial to prioritize our own mental well-being. If you’re feeling triggered or unable to disengage from the trauma, seeking professional help is a positive step towards healing.
