A recent survey with 150 respondents offers a revealing picture of true-crime consumption among young audiences. About 70% of participants were women and roughly 30% were men. Most respondents were between 18 and 22 years old, and only 8% were older than 29.
Approximately 74% said they enjoy true-crime content, with the most consumed titles including American Crime Story, Brazilian productions such as the Elize Matsunaga documentary and the Von Richthofen case trilogy, as well as various portrayals of serial killers like Ted Bundy.
These findings mirror a broader trend discussed in media and psychology research: women consistently represent the majority of true-crime consumers. According to Psychology Today, women tend to form the main true-crime audience due to factors related to empathy, vulnerability, and self-protection. The publication notes that many female viewers identify with the victims—who are often women—creating a stronger emotional connection and making these narratives feel personally relevant.
Another factor frequently cited by researchers is the use of true crime as a coping or preparedness strategy. A 2019 MagellanTV analysis found that women’s interest in true-crime podcasts increased by 16%, suggesting that many consume the genre not out of morbid curiosity but to learn warning signs, understand criminal behavior, and better anticipate dangerous situations. The report emphasizes that, for many women, true crime functions as a psychological rehearsal for real-life threats.
True-crime stories also offer what many describe as an emotional “resolution.” The narrative arc—moving from crime to investigation to accountability—provides a sense of closure that real life often denies.
According to Psychology Today (2025), true-crime consumption can serve as a form of emotional regulation, helping women process fears or anxieties while experiencing a safe, controlled exposure to danger. This aligns with cultural analyses such as the University of Derby’s report on true-crime obsession, which confirms that women dominate audience engagement on platforms like book reviews, documentary discussions, and crime-related forums.
The survey data reinforces this broader perspective. The dominance of young adults between 18 and 22 suggests that true crime is now deeply embedded in Gen Z media habits, from streaming services to podcasts. This presence is even more visible on TikTok, where #TrueCrimeTok has become a central hub for bite-sized case analyses, safety tips, and narrative breakdowns that attract millions of young viewers—especially women.
The mix of international and Brazilian productions among the survey respondents indicates that the genre resonates across cultural boundaries, blending the appeal of global crime narratives with the emotional impact of national cases.
Women are not only the primary consumers but increasingly the producers of true-crime content. Research on gender and media production in Brazil indicates that women have become highly active in investigative podcasts, documentary scripting and hosting, and social media analysis of crime cases—giving them a stronger voice in shaping the genre’s narratives.
However, the popularity of true crime also raises ethical concerns. While these stories can empower and inform, they may risk sensationalizing real trauma or commodifying violence, particularly violence against women. This tension has been widely discussed in media studies, including analyses from Psychology Today and academic examinations of the “true-crime boom,” which urge creators and audiences to consider how victims’ stories are portrayed and what responsibilities the genre carries.
Still, the appeal of true crime remains strong. The survey results, supported by international research, confirm that women are at the center of this cultural phenomenon. Their engagement is shaped by empathy, fear, curiosity, and a desire for understanding. True-crime stories help them reflect on real-world dangers, seek emotional resolution, and regain a sense of control in contexts where violence and vulnerability remain pervasive. In confronting real-life monsters, women are not merely seeking entertainment—they are seeking insight, preparation, and meaning.
The article above was edited by Júlia Darú.
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