Does True Crime Content Amplify Anxiety, Fear, and Distrust in the Criminal Justice System? A Randomized Experimental Study

• In Event: Media and social construction of crime III

Abstract

True crime media has proliferated in recent years, making it one of the most viewed content available. The fascination with real-life criminal cases, often portrayed through dramatisations has given rise to what is commonly referred to as the “true crime obsession”. Previous research has identified differences in perceptions of crime, levels of anxiety and fear, and trust in the Criminal Justice System (CJS) based on engagement with true crime content – podcasts and TV shows (Bullock & Zloteanu, 2024). However, observational and naturalistic research does not permit causal claims to be made. Namely, does engaging with true crime content cause such perceptions or do innate differences dictate engagement with such content? An experimental manipulation of the effect of interest using a randomized approach is needed to establish such effects. A random sample of the population (N = 650) was divided into four conditions: true crime podcasts, neutral podcast, true crime TV show, neutral TV show; effects are controlled for attitude towards the CJS, fear of crime (FOC), and anxiety (GAD-7). Using a Bayesian estimation and testing framework, the research measures the causal (amplificatory) nature of engagement with true crime content on anxiety, fear, and distrust of the CJS. The results of this research program aim to inform policy, especially broadcast media, and the general public on the potential negative effects of consuming such content. This is aimed to provide theoretical and practical insight into establishing guidelines and approaches to mitigate the potential harm to the public.

Authors

• Mircea Zloteanu, Kingston University London

• Josh Bullock, Kingston University London