Here’s why it’s considered a major red flag if you relax by enjoying true crime stories

So apparently, if your idea of self-care is sticking the kettle on, putting your slippers on, and then watching a four-part Netflix doc about a man who skinned four people in Wisconsin… you’re the problem. A psychologist has actually warned that it’s a major red flag if you like to relax with true crime. Not astrology, not enjoying ghosting people. True crime.

Credit: Unsplash/Maxim Hopman

Dr Chivonna Childs, who clearly hasn’t ever had to endure the hell of the Monday morning commute, told Tyla that marathoning murder content after a long day at work can mess with your mental health. Apparently you might get “paranoid thoughts,” start seeing danger around every corner, or assume every white van has a murderer inside. (Sorry to white van men everywhere, you didn’t deserve this PR nightmare).

She says too much true crime can make you hyper-vigilant, anxious, and even afraid of your own mates. Because, plot twist: In most of these shows, it’s always the husband, the neighbour, or the guy from work who “seemed nice” but definitely wasn’t.

Backing this up is journalist Rachel Monroe, who says the shows also massively distort reality. She points out that serial killers are actually rare (which, rude – stop ruining the vibes), and statistically you’re way more likely to be hurt by someone you know than by a Ted Bundy copycat lurking in a bush.

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Basically, the call is coming from inside the house: “Stories about serial killers are so popular, but in terms of actual crime statistics, people are much more likely to be harmed by somebody they know – somebody in their own family, somebody close to them – than a random stranger.”

Gasp, a twist: Women are way more into true crime than men. Why? According to research, a lot of women watch these docs to learn survival strategies. Still, Childs reckons too much murder content is a one-way ticket to anxiety town. Her advice? Watch cartoons, listen to wholesome music, and maybe stop watching Jeffrey Dahmer before bed.

Anyway, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to “relax” by falling asleep to a podcast about dismemberment. Sweet dreams x

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