Introduction
Nowadays, the media introduces new ways of sharing information with people, such as using podcast platforms to share narratives in an audio format. With the increasing popularity of podcasts, true crime shows have gained popularity. However, while true crime podcasts can increase interest in the criminal justice system, they are not morally defensible since they sensationalize the trauma of the victims and desensitize the public to violence.
Pros and Cons of True Crime Podcasts
Podcasts can be seen as valuable tools whose in-depth storytelling can be informative. For example, among useful podcasts is “Serial,” which focuses on controversial crimes, such as Hae Min Lee (Serial Podcast, n.d.). Dedicating the whole podcast’s first season was enlightening since it exposed the case to a broader audience (Serial Podcast, n.d.). As a result, the benefit of true crime podcasts is that they increase the number of people involved in the criminal justice system (Pâquet, 2021). Consequently, it sets the foundation for people to demand reforms in the system.
However, in contrast to such benefits, podcasts on true crime have negative aspects. For example, the podcast can be harmful because it exposes the victims and their families. In this case, the shows can concentrate on the trauma of the victims, sensationalizing it and thus enhancing the pain of the person (Saul, 2022). Moreover, such podcasts can desensitize the public to such acute issues as true crime (Foster, 2020). Constant exposure to violence and disturbing content can reduce the empathy of the audience and increase their tolerance of such issues.
Lastly, after considering the negative aspects of true crime podcasts, it can be argued that they are not morally defensible. Although podcasts can be informative, their entertaining side has more dangers than benefits. For example, the fact that these shows desensitize the public to crime, increase their tolerance to violence, and expose victims and their families to trivializing their pain is concerning. Thus, it is vital to remember that behind every true crime podcast is the story of a real victim who needs compassion.
Conclusion
Hence, even though real crime podcasts can raise awareness of the criminal justice system, they are ethically questionable since they sensationalize the victims’ trauma and desensitize the general public to violence. The advantage of true crime podcasts is that they enhance interest in the subject. However, constant exposure to violent and upsetting material might decrease an audience’s capacity for empathy while increasing their tolerance for such situations.
References
Foster, S. J. (2020). Making the murderer’s voyeurs: The influence of violent crime exposure, social movements, and desensitization on Georgia’s treatment of the death penalty. Mercer Literature Review, 72, 883. Web.
Pâquet, L. (2021). Seeking justice elsewhere: Informal and formal justice in the true crime podcasts Trace and The Teacher’s Pet. Crime, Media, Culture, 17(3), 421-437. Web.
Saul, J. (2022). Collective trauma, collective healing: Promoting community resilience in the aftermath of disaster. Routledge.
Serial Podcast. (n.d.). The alibi. Web.