The CSI effect on our minds
#46
From TV shows like CSI and Law and Order to podcasts like Serial and My Favorite Murder to True Crime and Forensic Fiction books, the popularity of crime-related entertainment seems to be never-ending. What is it about true crime that attracts us anyway?
To be honest, I am very picky about my true crime shows, podcasts, and books. I’m not a big fan of relaxing after work with a show about work! But I’ve been known to binge podcasts like Serial and yes, I’ll even admit I’ve read the Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs books (although it was in high school, I swear!). I like learning about how agencies handled high profile cases, from certain time periods in criminal justice history or geographic regions (I’m looking at you, Manitowoc County). It reminds me of past work I’ve been a part of, high profile or mundane, and I get a chance to relive the excitement of the scene.
For me, my job is undeniably thrilling. No matter what the first call reported, I knew that the facts would be mine to uncover and that I was in charge of the situation at hand. Every single case is different. The excitement of uncovering clues, piecing together evidence, and solving a mystery is a feeling that many people crave. Responders in particular are often drawn to this line of work precisely because of the challenge and excitement it presents - the thrill of solving a puzzle. For us, the adrenaline rush is a natural high, and we thrive on the pressure and intensity of the situation.
But it's not just professionals who are drawn to crime scenes. Ordinary people, too, can find themselves fascinated by the dark and mysterious world of crime. This can be seen in the popularity of crime-related TV shows, books, and movies, as well as in the proliferation of true crime podcasts and documentaries. For many people, the thrill of crime comes from the sense of danger and the mystery that surrounds it. They are drawn to the unknown, to the idea of solving a puzzle and uncovering the truth.
What the public doesn’t understand is that routine and consistent exposure to these cases is incredibly stressful and traumatic. Forensic casework can often be chaotic, with emotions running high and the stakes very real. For those who work in forensic science, the pressure to solve the case and bring the perpetrator to justice can be overwhelming. Bias and mistakes are inevitable, whether we are exhausted from working shift work and long hours, or have personal or external stereotypes and pressures. For ordinary people, too, the fascination with crime can have negative effects. Watching too many crime-related shows or reading too many true crime books can lead to paranoia and anxiety. People may become hyper-vigilant, constantly looking over their shoulder and suspecting everyone around them of criminal intent. This can lead to a sense of unease and a lack of trust in others, which can be damaging to personal relationships. Overexposure to crime-related content is that it can have a desensitizing effect. The more we are exposed to violence, gore, and criminal behavior, the less shocking it becomes. This can lead to a kind of emotional numbness, where we become indifferent to the suffering of others. We may start to see crime as just another form of entertainment, rather than a serious social problem that requires our attention and action. Moreover, crime-related content can lead to a distorted view of the world. Crime shows and movies often depict a world where justice is always served and the bad guys always get caught. This can create a false sense of security, where we believe that crime is rare and that we are safe from harm. In reality, crime is a daily occurrence, and anyone can be a victim. By overemphasizing the importance of solving crimes and catching perpetrators, crime-related content can create a sense of complacency and apathy towards crime prevention.
The amygdala is the section of our brain meant to process threatening stimuli. It is very much like a muscle and the more we use it, the more it grows. When this area or our brain overperforms, it fatigues and stops performing the way it should. It taxes other systems to the point we are always in fight or flight mode (hyper vigilant) or we feel nothing and numb (this was me). So, what can we do to balance our fascination with crime scenes with the need for relaxation and peace at home? One approach is to be mindful of the amount of crime-related content we consume. We should limit our exposure to violent and disturbing content, and be aware of how it affects our emotions and thoughts. If we find that we are becoming anxious or paranoid, we should take a break from crime-related input. We relax into the mundane - giving our full attention to doing the dishes or walking the dogs. I find meditation calming, mostly because it is one of my only opportunities to sit quietly.
What can you try to counter-balance the CSI effect in your life?
Cheers,
Kat
