I have to admit, there’s something oddly compelling about true crime.
Whether it’s tapping into the psychology of a criminal or piecing together clues to solve a mystery, it’s a genre that pulls you in and keeps you hooked. But have you ever stopped to wonder why it fascinates us so much?
For many of us, true crime tales reveal more about human behavior and even ourselves than we might expect.
In this piece, I’ll uncover nine common traits of true crime enthusiasts. And don’t worry, this isn’t a critique—just an exploration of what makes us tick.
1) They display heightened curiosity
In the realm of true crime, there’s a common thread among the consumers – a heightened sense of curiosity.
Psychologists have often observed this trait among people who regularly delve into the dark and mysterious world of true crime.
It’s not so much about the gore or the crime itself, but more about an insatiable desire to understand why.
Why would someone commit such a heinous act? What drives them? What were the circumstances?
This quest for understanding, for finding answers to difficult questions, is what often drives true crime enthusiasts.
The thrill of the chase or the grim details is only one of the aspects that interest them. Beyond that part, people who love true crime want to understand human behavior in its most extreme forms.
And this curiosity doesn’t just stop at true crime content. It extends to other aspects of their lives as well, pushing them to question, explore and seek out answers.
2) We’re often more cautious
I’ve been a fan of true crime for as long as I can remember. The stories, the mysteries, the psychology behind it all – I find it all incredibly fascinating.
But I’ve noticed something else – something that wasn’t so apparent when I first started consuming true crime content.
I’ve become more cautious.
In the past, I might have easily brushed off a strange noise in the middle of the night or walked down a dimly lit street without a second thought.
But now, having listened to countless true crime stories and understanding the realities of crime, I find myself being more aware of my surroundings.
I double-check my locks, avoid taking unnecessary risks, and have even taken a self-defense class. Some may call it paranoia, but I see it as being prepared.
This doesn’t mean I’m living in fear. I’m only being conscious of the fact that not everything in the world is sunshine and rainbows – and that’s okay. Being cautious is just part of being informed and aware.
In fact, studies have shown that women in particular enjoy true crime because they believe they might learn something from it.
And if you’re a fellow true crime fan, perhaps you’ve noticed this in yourself too?
3) We have a knack for empathy
Often, consuming true crime content nurtures a sense of empathy.
Here’s why: While exploring the intricate details of a crime, we inevitably step into the shoes of the victims, their families, and sometimes even the perpetrators.
We try to understand their emotions, their thoughts, and their actions.
This doesn’t mean we sympathize with criminals. Rather, it means we’re able to understand the complex web of emotions that can drive people to commit extreme acts.
Studies have shown that regular consumers of true crime content believe they have heightened levels of empathy towards the victims.
So, while true crime might be seen as a dark hobby by some, it actually has the ability to foster empathy and understanding among its enthusiasts.
4) They are often more alert and aware
True crime enthusiasts are usually more alert and aware of their surroundings. They are not being paranoid, only observant and vigilant.
Having exposed themselves to countless stories of crime and delinquency, they are often well-versed in recognizing signs of danger or potential threats.
Their heightened sense of awareness can sometimes even extend to picking up on subtle behavioral cues of the people around them.
This increased awareness often stems from the desire to avoid falling victim to the types of crimes they read or watch about.
It’s a form of self-preservation and preparedness, allowing them to navigate through life with an extra layer of caution and vigilance.
So next time you’re walking home late at night with a true crime fan, you can feel a little safer knowing they’re likely hyper-aware of their surroundings.
5) They appreciate complexity
True crime stories are rarely straightforward.
They’re often filled with twists and turns, complex characters, and intricate plots. This complexity is part of the allure for many true crime enthusiasts.
Regular consumers of true crime content appreciate the complexity and nuance that comes with these narratives.
They enjoy delving deep into the details, piecing together evidence, and understanding the multi-faceted aspects of each case.
This appreciation often extends beyond their true crime hobby. You’ll find that they often enjoy complex puzzles, intellectual challenges, and anything that requires a bit of mental gymnastics.
People who love true crime enjoy understanding the layers, the motives, and the intricate web that makes up each true crime story.
And this love for complexity adds a unique dimension to their character.
6) They seek justice
At the heart of every true crime enthusiast, there is a burning desire for justice.
They invest hours into following cases, learning about the victims, and understanding the details of each crime – not for entertainment, but because they genuinely care about the outcomes.
They celebrate when cold cases are reopened and solved, they feel a sense of relief when justice is served, and they mourn when it is not.
For them, every story is a reminder of the importance of justice in our society.
The world of true crime is not just about the crimes themselves but about the pursuit of justice.
It’s this innate desire for fairness and righteousness that makes the genre so emotionally compelling for its fans.
So if you’re a regular consumer of true crime content, take a moment to appreciate this aspect of your hobby. It’s a testament to your belief in justice and your compassion for those affected by these crimes.
7) We often find comfort in the predictable
Life can be unpredictable and chaotic.
But when I dive into a true crime story, I know what to expect. There’s a crime, an investigation, and hopefully, a resolution.
This predictability, as grim as it may sound, can be comforting. It’s a break from the uncertainties of daily life.
I’ve found myself turning to true crime podcasts or documentaries after particularly stressful days.
There’s something soothing about knowing that no matter how complex the crime, there’s a team of professionals working tirelessly to unravel the truth.
Perhaps, it’s this feeling of order amidst chaos that makes true crime so appealing to many of us. Despite the darkness of the subject matter, we find solace in the methodical pursuit of justice and truth.
8) They often possess strong analytical skills
Analyzing evidence, connecting the dots, spotting inconsistencies – these are all key facets of any true crime narrative.
And those who regularly consume this type of content often develop strong analytical skills.
They approach each new case or story with a critical eye, constantly questioning and seeking to understand every aspect of the narrative.
They’ll meticulously comb through the details, cross-examine facts, and constantly form and reform theories.
This analytical mindset isn’t just confined to their true crime hobby. It often spills over into other areas of their lives, helping them in problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking.
True crime fans are not just passively consuming content. Their active engagement stimulates their analytical abilities and keeps their minds sharp.
9) They’re not ‘obsessed with death’
There’s a common misconception that true crime fans are morbidly obsessed with death. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Yes, the subject matter involves crime and often, unfortunately, death. But it’s not the death itself that compels us. It’s the journey to understanding why it happened and how it could have been prevented.
Learning from these extreme instances of human behavior helps them become more aware, empathetic, and vigilant in their own lives.
It’s a quest for truth and justice in a world where those things can sometimes seem elusive.
So, if you’re a true crime fan, know this: Your interest doesn’t make you strange or morbid. It makes you curious, empathetic, and aware. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Final thoughts
True crime is a window into the complexities of human behavior.
As fans, we’re not glorifying the darkness—we’re trying to understand it. Whether it’s the pursuit of justice, the need for closure, or just the curiosity that drives us, true crime helps us make sense of the chaos in our world.
If anything, being a true crime enthusiast means you’re curious, empathetic, and maybe even a little more prepared for life’s unpredictability.
So, the next time you hit play on your favorite podcast or documentary, know this—you’re not just watching a story unfold. You’re learning about people, resilience, and maybe even a little about yourself.
