What kind of person enjoys true crime?
Asked by: Prof. Michale Cruickshank MD | Last update: July 12, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (46 votes)
People who enjoy true crime typically possess high levels of empathy, a drive for self-preservation, and a strong sense of moral curiosity. Research indicates that the audience is predominantly female, with 61% of women consuming true crime media compared to 52% of men.
What type of people enjoy true crime?
Women are more prone to enjoy and obsess over true crime than men because they are disproportionately likely to be victims of crime. The driving force behind this obsession is the desire to experience fear in a controlled environment, where we can safely explore unsettling emotions without real danger.
Is liking true crime a red flag?
Liking true crime is generally considered a normal, popular hobby, but psychologists suggest it can become a potential red flag if used specifically to relax or unwind. While curiosity about mysteries is normal, habitually consuming violent media to feel comforted may indicate a desensitization to violence, emotional numbness, or a high tolerance for chaos, which some experts argue can stem from unresolved personal trauma.
What is the psychology of watching true crime?
The fascination with true crime is rooted in a psychological desire to understand the "why" behind dark behavior, gain a sense of control over dangers, and experience fear in a safe environment. Driven by survival instincts, fans use it to learn "what not to do" and seek closure in cases where justice is served. While sometimes comforting by comparison, it can also induce paranoia, high anxiety, and hypervigilance.
Who is the target audience for true crime?
The idea of women being the largest audience for true crime has been supported widely, including by Michael Boudet who hosts the popular true crime podcast Sword and Scale. He said that 70% of his fans are women between the ages of 25-454.
Why are people obsessed with true crime shows? What in the World podcast, BBC World Service
Who listens to true crime the most?
Research from Pew Research Center and industry analyses show that True Crime podcast audiences skew heavily female — approximately 62% of listeners, making it the #1 most popular genre among women.
What is the #1 state for crime?
As of 2024–2026 data, Alaska holds the highest violent crime rate of any U.S. state, with 724.1 to 837.85 incidents per 100,000 residents. It frequently ranks first for aggravated assault and sexual assault rates. Other states with high violent crime rates include New Mexico, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
Why do trauma survivors like true crime?
By engaging with stories of others, they may reduce feelings of isolation and self-blame. Impact: While some survivors may find true crime triggering, many describe it as empowering. Hearing others' stories helps them frame their own experiences, often leading to breakthroughs in therapy.
Do people with high IQs watch reality TV?
Watching reality TV does not inherently make someone smarter, but it is a common misconception that only less-intelligent people consume it. In fact, many, [high-IQ individuals and successful professionals watch reality TV as a form of intellectual escapism, psychological, and social analysis.
What personality disorder is linked to crime?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial traits are common in justice-involved samples, but research on their dynamics, precursors, and aftereffects regarding aggressive and violent behavior is scarce.
Why do girls love true crime?
Women are the primary consumers of true crime (roughly 80% of audiences) because it serves as a form of "fear management" and preparation for survival. The genre allows women to analyze predators, identify "red flags," and study survival techniques, often turning horrifying stories into cautionary tales.
What is the average serial killer's IQ?
The average IQ of a serial killer is approximately 94.5 to 95, which falls within the "average" to slightly below-average range of human intelligence (generally 90–105). While media often depicts them as geniuses, most serial killers possess average intelligence, with some showing low intelligence and a few exceptionally high IQs.
Is true crime bad for your mental health?
True crime consumption can negatively impact mental health by inducing anxiety, hypervigilance, and distorted worldviews (Mean World Syndrome). While popular for education or coping, excessive consumption can trigger fight-or-flight responses, leading to paranoia, sleep disturbances, and social isolation.
Which gender likes true crime more?
According to data from Pew Research, not only is the true crime genre one of the most popular among podcast listeners, but female audiences are twice as likely to regularly listen to a true crime podcast than men.
What type of crime is most often committed by respectable people?
White-collar crime is usually committed by business professionals, government officials, or others in positions of trust. These offenses are typically non-violent and involve financial or regulatory violations, such as fraud, embezzlement, or bribery.
Why do people obsess over true crime?
True crime obsession stems from a mixture of primal fear, the psychological need for control, and the thrill of solving a mystery. Experts suggest it acts as a "safety manual" for navigating danger, providing insights into criminal minds and the criminal justice system. This fascination allows viewers to experience fear in a controlled, safe environment.
What does psychology say about people who watch reality TV?
"We might think that people are just passive receptacles for reality TV, but there's a lot of research that shows people are consuming these shows more actively and, whether good or bad, learning from the shows," says Lindemann, a Lehigh University professor who has taught courses about the sociology of reality TV.
What shows do high IQ people watch?
High IQ Shows!
- Vikings. 2013–2020. TV-MA. TV Series. 8.5 (642K) Rate. ...
- Taboo. 2017. TV-MA. TV Series. ...
- Dexter. 2006–2013. TV-MA. TV Series. ...
- House of the Dragon. 2022– TV-MA. TV Series. ...
- Dark. 2017–2020. TV-MA. TV Series. ...
- The Boys. 2019–2026. TV-MA. TV Series. ...
- Mindhunter. 2017–2019. TV-MA. TV Series. ...
- The Expanse. 2015–2022. TV-14. TV Series.
What does watching true crime say about you?
Psychologists say using true crime as a way to relax can sometimes signal underlying anxiety, emotional numbness, or a need to process fear in a controlled way. They stress it doesn't apply to everyone, but when violent content becomes a main form of comfort, it can be worth reflecting on why it feels soothing.
What type of people watch true crime?
A new YouGov poll finds that 57% of Americans say they consume true-crime content. Popularity is high in just about all demographic groups, with only small differences: More women (61%) than men (61% vs. 52%) and adults under 65 than older adults (61% vs.
Why do anxious people like true crime?
True crime allows fans to exercise their fear of becoming a victim in a safe, non threatening environment. True crime entertainment allows viewers to experience fear, although they are never actually in danger.
Which state in the USA is safest?
The safest states in America are predominantly located in the Northeast and New England regions, consistently topping public safety indices by combining low violent crime rates, strong financial stability, and robust emergency preparedness.
What are the top 5 most murderous states?
Based on 2024–2026 data, the top 5 states with the highest murder rates (homicides per 100,000 people) are generally Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, Alabama, and Tennessee, as reported by Ammo.com and Statista. While some data indicates Mississippi has the highest rate, Statista also notes that by total volume, California and Texas have the highest number of murders.
What is the #1 crime city in the US?
Buying or selling a home?
- Memphis, TN. #1 in Most Dangerous Places. ...
- Oakland, CA. #2 in Most Dangerous Places. ...
- St. Louis, MO. ...
- Baltimore, MD. #4 in Most Dangerous Places. ...
- Detroit, MI. #5 in Most Dangerous Places. ...
- Alexandria, LA. #6 in Most Dangerous Places. ...
- Cleveland, OH. #7 in Most Dangerous Places. ...
- New Orleans, LA.