What's Happening?
Researchers Kelli Boling and Danielle Slakoff have conducted a study examining the impact of true crime media on the families and friends of victims, referred to as 'co-victims.' The study involved interviews with 20 individuals who have experienced their loved ones' stories being depicted in true crime shows. The findings, published in the journals Mass Communication and Society and Crime Media Culture, reveal that while true crime media can draw public attention to cases and educate viewers about the criminal justice system, it also poses significant challenges. Co-victims face issues such as inaccuracy, sensationalism, loss of privacy, and uncomfortable interactions with true crime consumers and online trolls. The study aims to add nuance to the debate around the ethics and popularity of true crime media.
Why It's Important?
The study sheds light on the ethical implications of true crime media, which has become increasingly popular on streaming services and podcast platforms. While the genre can help keep cases in the public eye and potentially aid in solving them, it also risks exploiting the trauma of victims' families. The findings highlight the need for ethical standards and regulations to ensure accurate and respectful portrayals. This is particularly important for families dealing with missing persons or cold cases, who rely on media attention for fresh leads. The study calls for a more informed consumer base that can discern between ethically produced content and sensationalized or exploitative depictions.
What's Next?
Boling and Slakoff hope their research will contribute to a broader discussion on the ethics of true crime media. They advocate for the establishment of standards and potentially regulations to protect co-victims from further harm. The study suggests that only individuals with lived experience as co-victims can truly empathize and respect the stories being told. As the true crime genre continues to grow, there may be increased pressure on media producers to adopt ethical practices and for consumers to demand more responsible content.
Beyond the Headlines
The study highlights the role of algorithms in shaping the true crime media landscape, warning that viewers may struggle to differentiate between ethical and sensationalized content. This raises questions about the responsibility of media platforms in curating content and the potential need for oversight. The findings also touch on the phenomenon of parasocial relationships, where audiences form one-sided attachments to public figures, which can complicate interactions with co-victims. The research underscores the importance of empathy and respect in storytelling, suggesting that co-victims may benefit from sharing their experiences with others who have faced similar challenges.
