Women are increasingly turning to true crime podcasts as a source of comfort and education, defying societal expectations. Despite some people finding it strange that women would listen to stories about stalking, kidnapping, and murder before bed, many women find comfort in these podcasts. True crime has become a popular genre in the last decade, with podcasts overtaking TV shows and movies as the primary medium for consuming true crime content.
Data from the Pew Research Center shows that true crime is the most common topic among the top-ranked podcasts on Apple and Spotify. Furthermore, a study conducted by the same research center found that 34% of Americans who listened to a podcast in the past year regularly listened to true crime podcasts. Women are more than twice as likely as men to choose this genre.
According to David Schmid, an assistant professor of English at the University at Buffalo who studies pop culture and crime in the media, women’s interest in true crime is not new. Women are often the victims of violent crimes, especially crimes like serial murder. This awareness and personal connection to the subject matter may explain their captivation with true crime content.
Watching or listening to true crime content allows women to handle their fear in a controlled manner. They can turn off the TV or close the book, providing a sense of control over their own experience of fear. True crime podcasts, in particular, have a calming effect on listeners due to the narrators’ soothing voices. For some women, these podcasts are nostalgic, reminiscent of spooky stories told around a campfire.
Beyond finding comfort, many women also find true crime content educational. By learning about the signs to watch for in a killer or what to do if kidnapped, they feel they can better protect themselves. Amanda Vicary, an associate professor of psychology, believes that women find value in true crime because they can learn how not to become victims of such crimes.
This fascination with true crime is evident at CrimeCon, an annual event that attracts thousands of crime enthusiasts. Approximately 75% of attendees are women who want to be part of the stories they listen to. Sheryl Mac McCollum, a crime analyst and speaker at CrimeCon, believes that women’s desire to help and offer support is what draws them to events like CrimeCon.
While consuming true crime content can be comforting and educational, it also has its drawbacks. Some women admit to feeling more cautious and aware of their surroundings after listening to true crime podcasts. This heightened sense of awareness can be a double-edged sword, as it may lead to unnecessary fear and suspicion towards innocent individuals.
Despite the potential drawbacks, true crime podcasts continue to attract a large female audience. The combination of comfort, education, and the allure of solving mysteries keeps their interest alive. For many women, listening to true crime podcasts feels like being an investigator searching for clues and offers a sense of empowerment and control.
In conclusion, women’s embrace of true crime podcasts for comfort and education challenges societal expectations. The genre’s appeal lies in its ability to provide a sense of control over fear, offer educational insights, and allow women to immerse themselves in stories of crime and investigation. Whether it’s for a good night’s sleep or a newfound interest in human behavior and law, true crime podcasts have found a devoted following among women.
