‘Mean World Syndrome’: Watching too many true crime documentaries can have a negative impact on your mental health | Health

The edge-of-your-seat thrills are addictive, but the chills down your spine afterwards just aren’t worth it. Binge-watching true crime documentaries can be all-consuming and even addictive. These shows dissect the darker side of human behavior, dramatizing the most traumatic crimes and presenting them to the public.

They create a highly realistic immersion, as if you are experiencing the crime first-hand. The fascination with unraveling the mystery and deciphering the murderer’s twisted psychology keeps you wanting to see more. Most importantly, the unsettling reality draws your attention even more. You know the potential harm, yet you can’t stop watching. Binge-watching true crime documentaries and dwelling on the dark side of humanity, you may be causing more harm than you ever imagined. Non-fiction retellings of human crimes, often dramatized for the media, systematically restructure your worldview. Your worldview becomes inherently “scary,” with the shadow of danger lurking around every corner.

What is Mean World Syndrome?

Mean World Syndrome, a cognitive bias coined by George Gerbner, is the aftereffect of excessive consumption of violent media. This syndrome creates a false perception that the world is more dangerous than it actually is, exponentially increasing pessimism and undermining trust. The threat is perceived as omnipresent, making the individual tense and anxious. Constant vigilance is not only exhausting, but also mentally and physically draining. This syndrome is further strengthened when we have a personal or word-of-mouth experience of a harmless negative experience, such as slipping on a banana and scraping our knee. True crime stories are non-fiction, so they contribute to a store of information that we draw from every day. Overstimulated by delusions and in a state of heightened vigilance, our daily activities are hindered. Our concentration is impaired, our hands get sweaty, and we find ourselves constantly looking back.

Does the term “mean world syndrome” sound familiar? Have you ever found yourself staring wide-eyed at your double-bolted bedroom door after watching that show? If so, and you still can’t let go of your love for true crime documentaries, here’s how to preserve your sanity without sacrificing your favorite binge-worthy genre.

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Consume less

Consume everything in moderation or it will get out of hand. Crime documentaries are depressing entertainment and if watched obsessively, they can have a detrimental effect on your body. Take breaks in between and watch light-hearted content to calm down from the negativity. Monitor your consumption patterns and set boundaries to calm down. The content can also make you feel bad, which makes “breaks” even more important for your mental health. Watching crime documentaries at regular intervals may help you manage your emotions better.

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Check the trigger

After a traumatic experience, any stimuli that reminds you of a frightening moment can trigger anxiety. Look for such triggers and avoid crime-related content that triggers you in this way. If you suffer from an eating disorder or bullying, you are more likely to be upset if you see such triggers. So be mindful and mindful.

Daily reality check

Crime documentaries focus only on the negative side of humanity, portraying extreme cases. To keep your worldview from becoming cynical, balance it with positive news that celebrates human achievements. Check the crime rate in your area, and you may find that the daily crime rate is not as high as you think. In crime documentaries, the whole world is focused on one horrific crime. You need to see the whole picture, because the media always tells only a small part of the picture.

Exposing the media spectacle

Retellings of crimes are dramatized with loud noises and musical effects to get high ratings. They are embellished to entertain the audience. The viewer must keep their eyes open and not be fooled by the sensationalized tragedy. Part of the addictiveness comes from the spectacle that is created around the crime.

Talk to friends and family

Sharing your experience with someone can be cathartic and provide an outlet for any negative feelings you may have after watching. It can help you reduce anxiety and cope better. Discussing it allows you to hear different perspectives, which can help you process the content in a better, healthier way. This can make you less likely to dwell on it and prevent your worldview from becoming negatively distorted.

Next time you’re watching a true crime documentary, put on your Sherlock hat and keep your cool.

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