True crime media consumption driven by morbid curiosity

The popularity of true crime media, including podcasts and streaming series, is driven by a psychological phenomenon known as ‘morbid curiosity’. A 2025 research project by the University of Graz, which surveyed 600 individuals, suggests that listeners often consume these stories to understand the psychology behind criminal acts and to resolve feelings of uncertainty.

Research indicates that 75 percent of respondents aim to understand the motivations of perpetrators. This consumption is often linked to a desire to better assess personal risks and prepare for potential dangers in daily life. However, experts note that because these cases are often extreme or bizarre, they may distort an individual's actual perception of risk.

One such case frequently featured in various podcast formats is a 2022 crime in Aschau, located in the Rosenheim district of Upper Bavaria, where a young woman was murdered following a visit to a music club.