From podcasts to makeup videos, true crime stories can be indulged in almost any format. Stories about horrific murders and kidnappings are as easily accessible as one simple click. I used to be one of the people who listened to and watched said videos and podcasts.

However, I can’t help but think about how strange it is that people have so much interest in these cases. They are certainly intriguing, but the graphic descriptions have always disturbed me. My main issue is not necessarily the crime itself, but rather how it is being displayed. In sensitive cases especially, it can be incredibly insensitive for someone to discuss a persons death in a way that is meant solely to entertain. I also can’t say this about every true crime content creator- but those who abuse the tragedy certainly don’t do it subtly. I feel especially bothered by it when their video is about something that happened to an innocent, young person. These people don’t actually care about what happened or the fact that someone did actually die, someone with a family who love and miss them; instead, it seems they only care about the attention it brings. They exploit a persons death, practically rubbing it in the faces of that persons family, and I think it’s honestly shameful. Just imagine how the loved ones of those people feel, having to see videos about someone who was a real person in their eyes, who they deeply cared about, just because someone wants more views on a video. These content creators use people as tools, and show no sensitivity to the subject they are talking about. Murder is not just something fun one can talk about online, there has to be a respectful cadence and demeanor when speaking on it.

I also feel this way about crime cases that have never been put to rest. In that I mean the public is always returning to it and digging through it, posting about it along the way. I believe that at a certain point it becomes too much and the media should just let the dead rest. The friends and family forced to hear about that case certainly wouldn’t want it publicized over and over again, so why is talking about these cases still so prevalent?

A similar issue is the glamorization of serial killers and murderers. In the same way that people should put crimes to rest, they should stop talking about killers. It again only brings more attention to a case that many people likely want to forget. It is especially an issue when people justify the actions of these people solely based on their appearance. Take Wade Wilson for instance- he killed two women yet people were still going online chanting for his release. And why? Because they believed him to be attractive. It’s honestly deranged to think that a murderer shouldn’t get in trouble for their crimes because they are “hot”. It’s practically the same as spitting on the persons grave. It is a ridiculous act of disrespect and raises questions about how media has degraded peoples sensitivity to important issues. Let the dead rest and let those who committed the deed pay for their crimes.

I do want to quickly acknowledge that there are many people who know how to speak about these crimes in a sensitive way that raises awareness and shows respect for the victims family and friends. These people are not who I am talking about. I am talking about people who make a mockery out of gruesome deaths only because they crave attention. Many people are able to be sensibile when making their content, and I think there is no problem in listening to podcasts or videos in those formats. I only think people need to be more respectful and show more care when it comes to certain issues.