Consumption of true crimes and perceived vulnerability: Does the cultural context matter?

Abstract

This qualitative research explores how true crime documentaries (TCDs) are received in cultural settings with different crime rates. It identifies and compares motivations for watching TCDs, perceived vulnerabilities from their consumption, and concerns about their inclusion on broadcasting in Colombia (high murder rate context) and Singapore (low murder rate context). Eleven Colombians (RangeAge = 18–24 years old) and 12 Singaporeans (RangeAge = 19–24 years old) participated in 4 focus groups (FGs). A thematic analysis (TA) revealed that Singaporeans watch TCDs mainly for entertainment, to experience emotions, and to learn about past events, whereas Colombians mostly obtain survival skills, and learn about murderers and their cultural context realities. Unlike Singaporeans, Colombians perceive vulnerabilities associated with TCDs’ representation and consumption as revictimization (resuffering consequences or even being blamed), self-victimization (fear of becoming victims), and victimization (vicarious emotional experience of the consequences of and responsibility for crimes). The samples differ in their approaches to TCDs’ offering in TV. These results inform academy, audiovisual industries, educational programs, and regulatory policies.