Psychologist warns it’s a red flag if you relax by watching true crime TV shows
If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing more comforting than a Friday night in your pyjamas with Netflix, binge-watching the latest true crime sensation. But, hold on to your remote – because I’ve got some news that might just make you rethink that cozy setup.
Your fascination with unsolved murder and serial killers could mean something
Is there anything more riveting than tales of unsolved murders, rampant serial killings, or eerie missing person plots? Just in case anyone’s judging – it’s not like we’re making light of the real-life horror behind these stories. There’s something undeniably fascinating about the dark corners of humanity and how often these crimes remain undetected or unresolved.
But, here’s the twist – a psychologist has recently flagged our obsession with true crime as a bit of a red flag.
In a fascinating episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, Mel welcomed psychologist Dr. Thema Bryant to discuss how we can reconnect and heal after enduring hardships. And it got real interesting. Dr. Bryant theorizes that if your idea of relaxing involves binging episodes of Law and Order or other gruesome crime series, you might want to ask yourself why trauma feels relaxing.
She pondered, “If your idea of relaxing before you go to sleep is to watch three episodes of Law and Order, [then] I would encourage you to think about ‘why is trauma relaxing to me?’ 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.”
So, for those who can relate to this pre-sleep true crime ritual, it may be worth considering some professional help to explore deeper personal issues.
Adding to this, Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic, a Professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, explained to Crime Reads that there might be a reason why trauma survivors are drawn to these stories. She noted, “Anecdotally, some people are drawn to the study of psychology to understand themselves and heal themselves. We have many people in psychology programs who have a history of active mental illness.
Similarly, I think it might be likely that people who have a history of trauma might be drawn to true crime to kind of re-experience those traumatic situations in a safe environment where they have more control.”
Bryant’s podcast comments struck a chord, with TikTok users flooding the clip with introspective responses like, “Wow! Makes so much sense,” and “Gut drop….. Off to journal.”
Another user said, “Wow that is exactly what I watch to relax. This was so enlightening.”
The reactions didn’t stop there. “This really hits home. I used to watch so much chaos on TV, but after working hard on myself for the past two years I just can’t anymore,” someone shared. And one person opened up with deep vulnerability, “The trauma isn’t relaxing to me – it’s the justice the characters/real people often get that I never did in my own life.”
Maybe it’s time we all took a step back and re-evaluated why we’re drawn to the darker side of entertainment. Is it just a harmless thrill, or something deeper? Only time – and perhaps a little soul-searching – will tell. For now, happy binging! Or maybe consider switching to a nice, light comedy instead?
