Yes, it's a recognized psychological phenomenon, often linked to Hybristophilia, where individuals, particularly women, are attracted to those who commit crimes, driven by evolutionary attraction to dominance, a desire to "fix" them, or fascination with notoriety, though it's not considered typical healthy attraction. This attraction often stems from a "bad boy" allure, perceived charisma, or fame associated with the killer, rather than their violent acts themselves, and it's fueled by the popular "true crime" interest, says YouTube video and Birmingham City University.
Many argue this fascination for serial killers stems for an evolutionary subconscious desire to identify potential threats. It helps us explore and engage with the darker side of the human psyche while still enjoying the warmth and safety of our cozy living room.
No, it isn't strange. It is normal to be curious about these people and why they did the things they did. It doesn't mean you like what they did or don't feel empathy for their victims. Curiosity is what sparks research and investigation to better understand.
Listening to or watching true crime content is not necessarily a red flag, but it can sometimes raise eyebrows depending on how it's approached and how openly it's shared.
The most common SMIs are schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression, which have high diagnostic validity (Putkonen et al., 2001; Häkkänen and Laajasalo, 2006) and are the SMIs most consistently linked with homicide (Schanda et al., 2004).
Serial killers often lack empathy and guilt, and most often become egocentric individuals; these characteristics classify certain serial killers as psychopaths. Serial killers often employ a “mask of sanity” to hide their true psychopathic tendencies and appear normal, even charming.
True crime has never been more popular, especially among Millennials and Gen Z. We spoke to devoted fans and one of Britain's leading creators, True Crime Caitlyn, to uncover why these dark stories captivate a new generation.
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.
That I am a woman who enjoys this lurid pastime does not make me remotely unique. Women are twice as likely as men to listen to true crime podcasts, and younger women with less formal education are particularly likely to listen. Some have estimated that the audience for true crime shows is 80 percent female.
Studies have suggested that serial killers generally have an average or low-average IQ, although they are often described, and perceived, as possessing IQs in the above-average range. A sample of 202 IQs of serial killers had a median IQ of 89.
Actually, the Bible doesn't teach that murderers can't be saved in the normal way. Rather, it assures us that even they can receive salvation in Christ if only they repent of their sins and turn to Christ in faith. Some notable biblical examples include King David (2 Sam. 11-12) and the apostle Paul (Acts 8:1; 9:1).
It's in our nature to be highly attuned to criminal misdemeanours, and we instinctively want to discover the 'who', 'what', 'when' and 'where' so we can find out what makes criminals tick, and to better protect ourselves and our kin.
Moreover, watching serial killers and other true crime shows is also a way to learn more about human psychology (and psychopathology) and help us 'prepare' for potential real-world threats, even if very unlikely. So, you really shouldn't worry if you're interested in the lives and minds of serial killers.
Most serial killers demonstrate antisocial tendencies—including a lack of empathy, a disregard for laws and the rights of others, and a lack of remorse—and many meet the criteria for either psychopathy or sociopathy.
The study finds that 84% of the U.S. population age 13+ are True Crime consumers, meaning they watch or listen to True Crime through any medium. Forty-two percent of the U.S. population age 13+ have ever listened to a True Crime podcast.
Studies of true crime have found that white women are the largest demographic that enjoys the true crime genre. The hypothesis is that because “women, in particular, have anxiety about potential threats,” they turn to true crime to feel better prepared if something violent were to happen to them.
Experts explain that constant exposure to true crime can desensitize the brain, making violence feel normal or even oddly soothing. Over time, this can blur empathy and emotional boundaries, changing how viewers react to fear or suffering.
True crime media has evolved from a niche curiosity to a mainstream obsession, particularly among women. Its popularity isn't just about morbid curiosity—true crime offers insights into fear, control, emotional regulation, and human connection.
Millennials and adult members of Gen Z were each twice as likely to say they were LGBTQ+ than the generation that preceded them. More than one in five (22.3%) respondents who were born between 1997–2012 (Gen Z) and nearly one in 10 (9.8%) who were born between 1981–1996 (millennials) identified as LGBTQ+.
We love to see the bad guy get caught. The satisfaction of a case being solved, a mystery unraveled, or justice finally served is powerful. But even when cases are unresolved or when perpetrators evade justice, true crime continues to draw us in, because these stories leave us with something to chew on.
According to data gathered in the United States in March 2023, Pop was the most popular genre for Generation Z.
Out of all the mental disorders including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, which do you think is the deadliest? A review of nearly fifty years of research confirms that Anorexia Nervosa has the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses (Arcelus, Mitchel, Wales, & Nelson, 2011).
Symptoms - Borderline personality disorder
According to psychology, there are specific personality types that are notoriously difficult to live with. These can include the passive-aggressive communicator, the relentless critic, or the energy-draining pessimist. However, recognizing these traits is the first step toward managing the stress they cause.