Published on
Updated
Reading 2 min.
in collaboration with
Amélie Boukhobza (Clinical psychologist)
Despite the anguish they depict, podcasts telling “true crime” stories have never been so successful. But why do we like to scare ourselves, and listen to these sordid affairs of the past or present? Psychologist Amélie Boukhobza answers us.
What if you started a good little crime podcast to relax? Said like that, the decision may be surprising. And yet, given the dozens of programs offered, many of us would regularly enjoy these stories told in our ears, and based on real events. But why this inclination?
Curiosity and strong emotions while staying at home
For psychologist Amélie Boukhobza, this attraction is not very surprising and is not the mark of a tortured mind (phew!). But these podcasts call on very “human” behaviors. “It must be said that these programs are attractive and almost exciting. she confirms. But what do we really like about listening to them?
First of all, they satisfy our curiosity. “Human beings are curious, especially when it comes to unusual behavior. Crimes, especially unsolved mysteries or famous cases, particularly attract our attention because they are out of the ordinary.”
But listening to these kinds of crime stories can also cause an adrenaline rush similar to that felt when watching horror films, which seduces us. “It’s a way of feeling strong emotions in complete safety, from the comfort of home. According to our expert, it’s clear that these podcasts offer insight into human psychology in extreme situations: “That is to say, they allow both the development an empathy for the victims and their families (thus reinforcing our own moral and ethical sense), while allowing us to exercise our “voyeur” side, and that is always very attractive!
Finally, there is something to find satisfaction in the story of solving a crime. “It must also satisfy a need for order and justice in the world. Because to live a meaningful existence, you need a meaningful world!”
Good in his body, good in his head!
Can listening to “true crimes” be bad for your mental health?
However, a question persists. Can regularly listening to these dark stories rub off on our mental health and damage it? It all depends on how we “consume” them according to our psychologist.
“As long as interest in crime podcasts remains just another form of entertainment and doesn’t take over one’s life or emotional well-being, there’s no need to worry! Now if it becomes completely obsessive and it ends up having a negative emotional impact, being a source of anxiety, stress, fears, insecurity or sleep disturbances, we stop!”
In terms of sound programs, the choice is vast to find a “lighter” program that is just as exciting.
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