True Crime & Leisure Time

Abstract

Abstract This qualitative study rooted in deviant leisure theory looks into why people do or do not watch, read, view true crime content in their free time. Literature used to review this study found that fear and popular culture were driving factors as to why some people would choose to interact with true crime content. The study used semi-structured interviews to understand why fans and non-fans of true crime media would choose or not choose to engage with the content. The study found that for fans of true crime the reason why they would choose to engage with it was that they enjoyed the historical aspect of true crime and trying to get inside the minds of the criminals. For non-fans of true crime, the study found that the reasons why they would not choose to engage with true crime media were because of their lack of interest and fear and discomfort from the content. The study also found that both fans and non-fans of true crime media did not think that watching, viewing, or reading true crime content was considered a deviant leisure activity.