Is True Crime Ethical?
Where’s the line between fascination and exploitation?
True crime is pretty much everywhere- on our screens, blasting out of our earphones and lining our bookshelves. It’s become a huge part of the daily content we consume as we devour murder documentaries, binge investigative podcasts and swap theories like amateur detectives. In the US, over half of adults say they enjoy true crime…no wonder true crime stories have become winning bets for a show or podcast. Look at the success of the ‘American Crime Story’ or ‘Monster’ series - ‘The Monster: Jeffrey Dahmer Story’ was a huge hit for netflix with over 196 million views and winning multiple awards.
But at what point does our fascination with real life crime cross the line into something slightly more uncomfortable?
Why are we so obsessed with true crime?
There’s no denying that true crime has become one of the most popular genres in modern media. From the classics like ‘Making a Murderer’ to the latest viral Netflix docuseries, there’s an undeniable desire for dissecting a case, following the clues and attempting to “solve” a crime from the comfort of our homes. Psychologists suggest that our love for true crime comes from a mix of factors: our natural curiosity for the dark side of humanity, the appeal of solving something, and our subconscious desire to prepare ourselves for the worst case scenarios.
And if we’re being honest, there’s something about a mystery that is just so addictive. A well told true crime story has all the tension, twists, and intrigue of a gripping thriller, except the stakes feel higher because we know that it’s actually happened.
But when does true crime cross the line?
As much as we love indulging in a juicy crime documentary or a chilling podcast, there is an undeniable ethical dilemma at play. These aren’t just stories, they’re real people’s tragedies. While some content is created with respect and an emphasis on justice, others do feel more like entertainment.
Here are some of our recent thoughts on the biggest ethical concerns surrounding true crime depictions:
Victim Exploitation
Many documentaries and podcasts focus heavily on the horrific details of crimes while barely acknowledging the victims as people. Instead of honouring their lives, some content reduces them to nothing more than a name and a crime scene. Families have repeatedly spoken out against the way their loved ones’ stories have been sensationalised for entertainment, often without their consent. For example, the Netflix series ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’ was widely criticised by victims' families, who claimed they were not consulted before the show aired and were retraumatised by its release. Similarly, ‘Crime Junkie’, one of the most popular true crime podcasts, has faced allegations of using cases without permission from victims' families or properly crediting sources.
When the media focuses more on the killer than the person whose life was taken, it dehumanises victims and turns their suffering into nothing more than content. In the worst cases, it encourages a cycle where brutal crimes become viral trends, rather than tragedies that deserve respect and justice.
Glorifying Killers
There’s a fine line between analysing a criminal’s psychology and turning them into celebrities. The rise of the “hot serial killer” phenomenon, most notably with Ted Bundy, is proof that some true crime media accidentally (or intentionally) creates a twisted form of worship around murderers. This isn’t a new issue; Bundy received love letters from admirers during his trial in the 1970s. However, the internet has made it significantly worse, with social media posts romanticising killers, debating their “attractiveness,” and even excusing their crimes because of their appearance. TikTok has seen waves of users thirsting over figures like Jeffrey Dahmer, Richard Ramirez, and recently Luigi Mangione, blurring the line between fascination and fetishisation.
The sexualisation of serial killers is particularly alarming. True crime adaptations frequently cast conventionally attractive actors in the roles of murderers, softening their crimes and making them appear charismatic or misunderstood rather than monstrous (yes, Zac Efron, I am talking to you). While ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile’ attempted to portray Bundy’s manipulative nature, it also contributed to the ongoing perception of him as a “charming” figure, rather than a ruthless predator. Similarly, Evan Peters’ portrayal of Jeffrey Dahmer in ‘Monster’ sparked debates about whether he was too compelling in the role.
True crime should inform, not romanticise. When killers become pop culture icons, it shifts focus away from their victims and risks turning horrific crimes into entertainment rather than cautionary tales.
Sensationalising Violence
Many true crime shows and podcasts lean heavily into the shock factor, making brutal crimes feel like horror movies rather than real-life tragedies. Some series rely on graphic reenactments, eerie sound design, and dramatised storytelling that emphasise the gore over the human cost. This approach can distort the reality of crime, reducing real suffering to something that feels more like entertainment than an actual tragedy.
There’s also a danger in normalising extreme violence to the point where audiences become desensitised. When viewers consume gruesome details daily, real-life brutality starts to feel less shocking, and the weight of these crimes can be diminished. Shows like ‘Mindhunter and American Horror Story’ (which often pull from real events) tread a fine line between psychological insight and gratuitous violence.
True crime shouldn’t exist just to shock or thrill an audience but it should be about truth, justice, and awareness. The most responsible storytelling keeps victims at the center and uses these cases to highlight systemic issues, not just to create a gripping narrative.
Unethical Reporting and Misinformation
With the rise of armchair detectives and amateur crime solvers (yes, we know we fit into this category), misinformation can spread quickly and very easily. Online platforms often point fingers at innocent people, and social media sleuthing can interfere with real investigations. Just look at how Reddit users wrongly accused someone of being the Boston Marathon bomber. Accusations made without evidence don’t just ruin reputations but they can also have serious consequences, for example on the investigation itself.
Beyond that, many podcasts and YouTube channels prioritise entertainment over accuracy, cherry-picking details to fit a compelling narrative rather than sticking to the facts. When true crime becomes more about clicks and views than integrity, it veers into dangerous territory.
Can true crime ever be ethical?
Well, the answer here is yes.
Not all true crime content is exploitative. Some creators focus on cold cases, advocating for justice and giving a voice to victims who have been forgotten by the system. Others highlight systemic failures in policing and the justice system, sparking important conversations about wrongful convictions and racial bias.
So how do we engage with true crime ethically?
Here are some things to consider:
Be mindful of how victims are portrayed. Are they treated as real people, or just plot points?
Question the narrative. Who is telling this story, and do they have an agenda?
Avoid sensationalist content. If something feels exploitative, unfortunately it probably is
Be critical of “hot takes” online. Not every internet theory holds weight, and misinformation can be harmful
Support ethical creators. Look for journalists and documentarians who work with families and focus on justice rather than shock value
The bottom line?
True crime isn’t going anywhere (hurray). It’s fascinating, it’s addictive, and in some cases, it’s important. But as consumers, we need to recognise the impact these stories have on real people. There’s a way to engage with true crime thoughtfully, without turning real pain into entertainment.
As true crime fans and writers, we feel as though this is an important topic to touch on because we assume many of you reading this are just as interested in the genre. It’s worth taking a step back to reflect on how we consume these stories and whether we’re doing so in a responsible way.
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Where do you draw the line between fascination and exploitation?
The Sleuthing Hour girls <3