True crime stories have captured the collective imagination, dominating headlines, inspiring hit streaming series, and spawning countless podcasts.But what are the psychological implications of our fascination with these often-gruesome narratives? And what are the consequences when true crime enthusiasm crosses the line into amateur sleuthing or harassment?

kathryn D. Coduto, a researcher at Boston University, has investigated the reasons why individuals find it difficult to disengage from cases such as those involving Karen Read or Gabby Petito.

In a recent study featured in Psychology of Popular Media, Coduto, a media researcher at Boston University, surveyed 280 adults about their engagement with crime stories on social media. the findings revealed that followers of true crime frequently enough become deeply engrossed in cases, compulsively using social media to stay updated and share their thoughts, forming parasocial relationships with individuals involved, and experiencing negative emotions related to the stories.

Crime narratives have long held a prominent position in media, from sensationalized Victorian-era newspapers to television programs like Forensic Files. However, the recent surge in crime-related content on platforms like reddit, TikTok, and X has created an environment where social media users are constantly checking for updates, according to Coduto, an assistant professor of media science at BU College of Communication. Her expertise lies in understanding how individuals present themselves and interact online.

“I thought it was interesting how people started relying on social media as the first entrance point into a story, rather than maybe somewhere to look at what other people were thinking,” says Coduto, whose prior research has explored online dating and technology use.

“It felt like social media was very quickly becoming an authority for a lot of people.”

Coduto’s earlier research included an analysis of the January 6th Capitol insurrection, which revealed that many individuals turned to social media seeking an unfiltered viewpoint of the events, prioritizing online viewpoints over traditional media coverage.

When the disappearance of Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old van life vlogger, gained national attention in 2021, Coduto observed social media users flooding Petito’s channels with messages of support and her boyfriend’s channels with accusations. This prompted her to expand her research to include the study of crime news.

The Psychology Behind the Obsession

Why are people so drawn to true crime? What role do news platforms and social media companies play in perpetuating this fascination? And how might following these stories impact our well-being?

“It felt like social media was very quickly becoming an authority for a lot of people.”

Unpacking the True Crime Phenomenon

Examining the surge in popularity of true crime content and its potential effects on individuals and society.