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In recent years, the world has witnessed an increase in violence and crime rates, in addition to the outbreak of many wars, which has resulted in a doubling of the pace of artistic works that deal with crimes on the screen, especially those based on real events, andIt has high viewership rates.
Spectators’ curiosity to know the psychological motives of criminals, and their enjoyment of rushing doses of adrenaline while watching, are at the forefront of the reasons driving demand for crime dramas, and some women tend to follow in the hope of catching warning signs and then have advance preparations in the event that they are exposed to similar tragedies.
It is noted that the films and series that are shown Crime stories It is no longer limited to Hollywood, but has extended to many countries of the world, including Arab countries, especially after the spread of Arab digital broadcasting platforms.
During the recent period, we have watched police and suspense series such as “A Dangerous Turn,” “Talat al-Talatha,” “The Night and the One in It,” “The Accused,” and most recently, “The Butcher of Giza” and “It Happened Indeed,” which are inspired by brutal crimes that took place on the ground.
Obsession with crime between entertainment and consequences
According to statistics, 80% of those born in the second millennium are obsessed with serial killer dramas, and even those responsible for the Netflix platform reported that the short series “Dahmer – The Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” which is based on the story of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, is the second most popular release on Netflix. Launch, nearly 56 million families watched it.
Despite the various psychological motives that may prompt the audience to watch, what worries doctors most is the impact of continuing to watch this type of drama, whether on the mental or psychological health of the spectator, due to the serious harm it causes. In the end, we are a product of our inner beings and our environment, and therefore it is self-evident that the mind is affected by the information and ideas we feed it.
Here are some of the negative effects that may affect those who excessively pursue crimes:
Enhance anxiety
According to the opinions of specialists, a viewer who already suffers from anxiety or depression, binge-watching crime dramas and horrific bloody footage, will double his feelings in addition to suffering from constant tension and acute nervousness.
Between extreme alertness and hypervigilance
Another negative emotion that may affect those obsessed with crime is fear, which, if doubled, may lead to paranoia or panic attacks, in addition to extreme alertness and hypervigilance, to the point that some may develop a fear of going out and seclude themselves at home, continuing to check that the doors and windows are closed all the time.
While others monitor everything around them, looking for any signs that indicate the possible presence of criminals around, or they avoid some places for no other reason than that they make them feel uncomfortable and arouse suspicion and suspicion within them, for fear that they will be the next victim.
Sleep disorders
In addition to negative feelings, some people may suffer from difficulty sleeping or insomnia, and they may also have nightmares and hallucinations.
Normalizing aggressive behaviors
In the beginning comes sympathy for the victims. This is the expected and initial behavior of those who watch crimes on screen, but with frequent viewing this may result in a reverse effect that causes the spectator to become insensitive to the crimes, as he becomes accustomed to them and they become familiar to him, thus losing his sympathy for others, leading to the normalization of aggressive behavior. And the abuser.
False expectations lead to frustration
Who will win, good or evil? This question occupies the minds of many, especially those who watch true crime dramas with the aim of reassuring that justice is being done and the guilty person is being punished for his actions. However, reality does not work this way. The same applies to the criminal justice system, which is not necessarily fast and efficient. This explains why the real culprit is sometimes found after many years, or cases are registered against an unknown person. Worse, sometimes innocent people are arrested instead of the real accused. This contradicts the incorrect expectations that viewers adopt, and consequently leaves them frustrated when their perceptions do not match reality, and they may lose faith in the justice system. All of it makes them doubt its effectiveness when they realize that the conviction of the criminal is not guaranteed.
Other physical symptoms
In addition to all of the above, sometimes some physical symptoms appear, including: high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing or hyperventilation, and decreased immune response.
Experts’ advice
Each individual’s reaction to what he watches varies in accordance with his background, past, and mood. However, in all cases, therapists advise that patients with depression and anxiety avoid watching shows related to crimes, especially true crimes. If this is necessary, do so with caution and without exaggeration, so as not to put pressure on their minds and bodies.
As for those who are not committed and who will watch crime stories extensively in all circumstances, as soon as they notice any physical symptom or feel an unwanted effect from the above, they should immediately stop following and enjoy a rest on the one hand, and on the other hand watch light or inspiring works of art. To balance the balance and give the mind and soul a good and positive feeling.
