Why we’re so fascinated by true crime, explained

Shows like “Dahmer” and “The Tinder Swindler” keep pulling millions of viewers back for one more episode, and the true crime obsession shows no sign of slowing. Psychologists say that pull is not accidental, and it is not a sign that something is wrong with us.

The reason the genre keeps dominating Netflix’s top 10, the podcast charts and late-night group chats has less to do with morbid curiosity than with a very old human instinct, researchers say. We are watching to feel safer.

Why psychologists say we are drawn to true crime

Dr. Hatters-Friedman, speaking to Real Simple, traces the fascination back to the earliest stories humans ever told each other.

“Since early history, stories have helped warn us of danger and teach us things. We’re curious about what makes people tick, and how the person who commits murder is the same or different from us, and the same or different from other people we meet. We want to understand as humans, and also we want to figure out how to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe,” Hatters-Friedman said.

That last line matters. For many viewers, true crime is not purely entertainment. It functions as research.

“By reading, watching, or listening to true crime, women are learning about these cases from a safe distance,” Hatters-Friedman said. “People engage with true crime media to help figure out the puzzles of who might become violent and to help protect themselves.”

What makes true crime so compelling

Researchers typically point to five overlapping drivers that keep audiences hitting play.

The first is practical. Learning about real crimes can help us recognize warning signs, understand risky situations and feel better prepared to protect ourselves.

The second is curiosity about the human mind. We are fascinated by what drives someone to commit an unthinkable act, and true crime offers a glimpse into the psychology, motives and behaviors behind criminal behavior.

Then there is the thrill itself. Much like horror movies, the genre delivers suspense, anxiety and adrenaline from the safety of our homes, with none of the actual risk.

Documentaries and podcasts also feed the puzzle instinct. They invite us to connect clues, examine evidence and try to figure out what happened. Our brains naturally enjoy solving mysteries.

And many fans are chasing a sense of justice and closure. They become emotionally invested in victims’ stories and want to see perpetrators held accountable, missing people found and unanswered questions resolved.

How true crime works as psychological rehearsal

Pamela B. Rutledge Ph.D., M.B.A., writing for Psychology Today, offers a framework that ties the strands together.

“True crime, often described as both frightening and comforting, presents a paradox that aligns with our lived experiences,” Rutledge writes. “For women, who statistically face a higher risk of violent crimes, true crime media can serve as a form of psychological rehearsal. By hearing others’ stories, they can gain a sense of control, feeling better equipped to recognize warning signs or respond to risk. This is not fear-mongering, but a form of threat management.”

Put another way, we are not binge-watching “Dahmer” because something is broken in us. We are doing what humans have always done, listening carefully to stories about danger so we can walk through the world a little more alert tomorrow.

This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.