Mean world syndrome: How bingeing on true crime shows can lead to a negative worldview
In just a couple of years, OTT platforms have completely revolutionised the way we approach any piece of content that we are about to consume. Making movies, web series and even comedy stand-ups easily available from the comfort of our homes, these streaming platforms have brought a significant change in genres that we now like to watch. One such genre is that of 'true crime', from podcasts to documentaries and fictionalised retellings we are consuming more true crime content than ever.
But did you know bingeing your favourite genre on the daily can have a detrimental lasting impact on your psyche? You'll be surprised to know that your fascination with crime content can not only adversely affect your mental health but also alter your worldview long after you've stopped watching. If you regularly watch shows involving heinous and violent crimes such as murder, mass shootings and child abductions you start to believe the worst about the people surrounding you leading to fear, mistrust and even paranoia. This state of mind is called 'mean world syndrome'. Let's delve deeper to learn more about mean world syndrome and how to tackle it.
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What is mean world syndrome?
The term was first coined back in 1970 by journalist and professor Dr George Gerbner and is about how all of us develop a cognitive bias where we start to see more evil and dangerous than it really is after we've been exposed to violent content through mass media. Basically, what we see on television even if it is fiction can have a huge influence on our belief system and if we are exposed to crime-based content for a long period it can make us more fearful, anxious and pessimistic about the world.
Tackle mean world syndrome while still enjoying the true crime genre
We understand the thrill of watching shoes that explore the darker side of human behaviour can be highly addictive and even after knowing the potential harm you can not let your favourite shows go. Don't worry, here are 3 simple ways through which you can still enjoy the genre without having to deal with its ill effects.
- It is important to keep in mind that moderation is the key to life. While true crime offers great entertainment even if it is of the morbid variety it can take a toll on your mind, so take breaks to watch something light-hearted in between your binges.
- Even if you do enjoy watching and learning about the most depraved of crimes it's okay to keep check of what specifically you are not okay with watching. Keep an account of your triggers and avoid shows that involve them.
- It will do you well to always remember that crime content is created with the main purpose of gaining viewership and attention so they are often dramatised and even embellished for your maximum entertainment. So stay grounded in reality by learning more about the incident and try to not let the sensation of tragedy affect you.
Remember that true crime shows, movies and podcasts are a business created to garner your attention by feeding your curiosity to decode a criminal's twisted psyche and unravel the mystery. Whether you enjoy them or not, you cannot escape them so use these techniques to combat their ill effects.
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