The Value of True Crime
Psychology Today
by Katherine Ramsland Ph.D.February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article explores the psychological underpinnings of our fascination with true crime through the lens of evolutionary psychology. Dr. Coltan Scrivner argues that our morbid curiosity—our fascination with fear, disgust, and the unknown—is a survival mechanism that helps us identify threats and prepare for danger. He draws parallels between the popular board game Werewolf, where players must detect hidden predators among them, and real-life scenarios where individuals, such as serial killers, deceive others to manipulate communities.
According to Scrivner, negative events capture our attention more effectively than positive ones due to biological factors like the amygdala, which triggers a threat response. This explains why true crime stories, which often involve predators or life-threatening situations, resonate so strongly with audiences. Our ancestors evolved to prioritize threats, as this preparedness was crucial for survival. Stories of danger and deception, such as those involving serial killers like Ted Bundy or John Wayne Gacy, tap into our natural curiosity about risks and help us learn how to detect and avoid them.
However, the article questions whether our fascination with true crime has translated into real-world improvements in identifying sophisticated predators. While we have gained knowledge about threats through morbid curiosity, there is little evidence that this has significantly enhanced our ability to spot hidden dangers. The connection between evolutionary psychology and modern mental health lies in how our brains are wired to process threats, which can impact stress responses and prepared
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/26/2026