My TikTok for you page has emerged in disturbing “true crime” videos. Nowadays, murder cases have become unsurfaced from years ago. But how have they become so popular now?
When seeing these crazy cases on the internet, I can’t help but feel empathy for the victims’ family, because of the amount of views and popularity of the videos. This experience made me rethink the internet’s discussion on true crimes. Is this a healthy phenomena?
The portrayal of murder cases in the media has long been a subject of controversy, but also a very famous subject that many become obsessed with. In recent years, crime thrillers and TV shows based on real-life incidents, have become extremely popular on streaming platforms.
On September 21, Netflix released Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. The series narrates the story of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. Dahmer’s murders, occuring during 1978-1991, are still relevant online to this day.
Knowing such an evil individual is now a house-hold name would feel sickening. Releasing such videos and shows is disrespectful to the victims’ and their families, not to mention the message it sends when turning a serial killer into a figure similar to a “pop icon” portrayed by a heartthrob.
Released in 2019, the Hulu original The Act is based on Gypsy Rose and the murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, who was accused of abusing her daughter by fabricating illness and disabilities. As this show caused the debate on whether or not Gypsy Rose should not have gone to prison, there are also fans of the show who are glamorizing the crime and discussing Dee Dee Blanchard in a very inhumane way.
A viewer of the show, on the app X (formally known as Twitter) speaks on The Act, saying
“Gypsy Rose needs therapy. Lots of it. After what she’s been through, she shouldn’t be galavanting on social media.”. Others, though, have rallied support in her Instagram comments. One user says, “ I’m so happy u got out of jail and you are sooo pretty!”
As interesting as these shows can be, I believe glamorizing these types of people is dangerous for society. The film industry warps our perception of serial killers, trying to transform them into misunderstood figures, or so called “normal” people. Films and television must make an effort to stop glorifying these figures in order to prevent similar crimes from happening in the future.
