When did true crime become popular?

When Did True Crime Become Popular?

True crime has become a staple of modern entertainment, with millions of people around the world devouring podcasts, books, and TV shows about real-life crimes and their investigations. But when did this fascination with true crime begin?

The Early Days of True Crime

True crime has its roots in the 19th century, when newspapers and magazines began publishing stories about real-life crimes and their perpetrators. The New York Times, for example, started publishing a "Police Intelligence" section in 1857, which included reports on crimes and arrests. Similarly, The London Times published a "Police Report" section in the late 19th century.

However, true crime as we know it today, with its focus on in-depth investigations and forensic analysis, is a relatively recent phenomenon. The first true crime book, "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" by Edgar Allan Poe, was published in 1841. But it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that true crime began to gain widespread popularity.

The Golden Age of True Crime

The 1960s and 1970s are often referred to as the "Golden Age" of true crime. During this time, books like "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote (1965) and "Helter Skelter" by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry (1974) became bestsellers. These books were groundbreaking in their approach, using in-depth research and interviews to tell the stories of real-life crimes.

The Rise of True Crime TV

The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of true crime TV shows, such as "Unsolved Mysteries" (1987-1997) and "America’s Most Wanted" (1988-2012). These shows were hugely popular and helped to further popularize true crime.

The 21st Century: The Golden Age of True Crime

The 21st century has seen a true crime explosion, with the rise of podcasts, online streaming, and social media. Serial, a podcast that debuted in 2014, is often credited with helping to launch the true crime podcasting phenomenon. Other popular true crime podcasts include "My Favorite Murder", "Last Podcast on the Left", and "Crime Junkie".

The Impact of Social Media

Social media has played a significant role in the rise of true crime’s popularity. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have created platforms where true crime enthusiasts can share and discuss their favorite cases. True crime communities have formed online, with thousands of people coming together to discuss and share information about real-life crimes.

The Psychology of True Crime

So why are people so fascinated with true crime? Psychologists have suggested that true crime appeals to our natural curiosity and fascination with the unknown. Watching or reading about true crime can also provide a safe way to experience fear, allowing us to confront and process our emotions in a controlled environment.

The Dark Side of True Crime

However, the true crime phenomenon has also raised concerns about sensationalism and exploitation. Some critics argue that true crime media can be gratuitous and sensational, focusing more on shock value than on providing meaningful insights or justice for the victims.

Conclusion

True crime has come a long way since its early days in the 19th century. From the groundbreaking books of the 1960s and 1970s to the rise of true crime TV and podcasts in the 21st century, our fascination with real-life crimes has only grown stronger. While there are concerns about the impact of true crime media, it’s clear that this genre is here to stay.

Table: The Evolution of True Crime

Bullets: The Benefits and Drawbacks of True Crime

• Benefits:

  • Provides a safe way to experience fear
  • Allows us to confront and process our emotions in a controlled environment
  • Can provide a sense of justice and closure for victims’ families

• Drawbacks:

  • Can be sensational and exploitative
  • May prioritize shock value over meaningful insights or justice
  • Can be addictive and problematic for some individuals