15 Life Lessons Fans Have Learned From True Crime TV Shows
True crime TV shows have captivated audiences, offering more than just suspenseful entertainment. Beneath the exciting stories and complex criminals and victims lie valuable life lessons that resonate with viewers. Members from a popular online forum came together to discuss what they've learned through watching these situations unfold and how they've taken these real-life scenarios and used them to shape their view of the world.
1. Trust Your Instincts
Have you ever had that eerie feeling that something just isn't right? Crime shows have a knack for reminding us to trust our instincts. They're chock-full of stories where victims had that unsettling gut feeling but ignored it, sometimes to their detriment. The lesson here is pretty straightforward: that nagging sensation in your stomach might be trying to protect you. Whether it's a creepy encounter or a shady deal, your instincts can guide you away from potential danger.
2. Be Careful Who You Date
Swipe left or right; that's the modern way of meeting people. Crime shows often pull back the curtain on the darker side of online dating. Catfishing, where someone masquerades as someone else, is a common theme. These tales remind us to be cautious in the digital age. Warning you to dig deeper and ensure the person on the other side of the screen is who they claim to be. Remember, love might be one click away, but so is deception.
3. Don't Be a Hero: Why You Should Never Confront a Criminal Alone
We've watched plenty of crime shows where someone decides to take justice into their own hands. It rarely ends well. Whether it's chasing down a suspicious figure or confronting a potential criminal, true crime narratives tell us one thing: don't be a hero. Leave it to the professionals. Calling the police or alerting authorities is the way to go. It's not just safer; it also increases the chances of a successful resolution.
4. Keep Your Friends Close
These crime shows often highlight the dangers of isolation. People who distance themselves from friends and family can be vulnerable targets. Friends and family offer emotional support, safety nets, and often a dose of reality when things get a bit too weird. So, go ahead, reach out, and share your life with those who care about you.
5. Know Your Rights
Getting caught up in the legal system can be intimidating, but crime programs teach us a valuable lesson – know your rights. Understanding what you can and can't do when dealing with law enforcement is essential. These shows often highlight the significance of legal representation and being aware of your rights.
6. Stay Informed
These cases are also tied to broader societal issues. It's not just about solving mysteries; it's about shedding light on real-world problems. These shows encourage us to stay informed about the world around us. They serve as a wake-up call, showing how crimes often intertwine with larger social issues like inequality, discrimination, and corruption. Watching true crime isn't just about entertainment; it's an invitation to engage with the challenges our society faces.
7. Be Prepared
Also, these shows aren't all about doom and gloom; they're also about preparedness. The tales of survival and resilience remind us to be ready for the unexpected. That means having a plan in case of emergencies, whether it's a natural disaster or an unfortunate encounter. We can learn to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding ourselves and our loved ones.
8. Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover
We've all heard the phrase “Don't judge a book by its cover,” but true crime takes it to a new level. It unveils the hidden facets of people and situations we might have thought we understood. It's a reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that empathy and understanding go a long way. After all, you never know what someone might be going through beneath the surface.
9. Seek Help When Needed
The narratives in these shows often depict characters who face immense challenges alone, sometimes causing their downfall. They tell us that seeking help, whether it's professional or personal, is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it's therapy, counseling, or just talking to a friend, these shows emphasize that we don't have to go through life's hardships alone.
10. Learn from Mistakes
There are consequences for poor decisions. They invite us to reflect on our own choices and behaviors. By witnessing the fallout of others' mistakes, we can become more self-aware and committed to making better decisions in our own lives. It's like having a cautionary tale at our fingertips, a reminder to choose wisely and learn from the missteps of others.
11. Be Compassionate
When we watch these situations, it's a window into the lives of victims and their families, humanizing their experiences and encouraging empathy. As we follow these scenarios, we're invited to step into their shoes, connecting with their pain and suffering on a profoundly human level. This lesson reminds us of the importance of supporting those who have endured trauma and extending our compassion to those in need.
12. Don't Give Up
A lot of these situations center around individuals and organizations committed to uncovering the truth and seeking justice relentlessly. Their unwavering determination in the face of adversity serves as a powerful motivator. Whether we encounter challenges in our personal lives or are driven by a cause we believe in, true crime shows inspire us to persist, fight for what's right, and never give up on our pursuit of justice and truth.
13. Be Curious
We also learn that it isn't just about criminal acts; some shows delve into subjects like psychology, forensics, and law enforcement procedures. These shows awaken our curiosity, encouraging us to explore various fields of knowledge. They serve as a gateway to a world of learning, motivating us to expand our horizons beyond the mysteries presented on screen. True crime fosters a thirst for knowledge, inspiring us to delve deeper into the fascinating realms of human behavior, science, and investigation.
14. Have Fun
While true crime can be intense and thought-provoking, it's also a form of entertainment. These shows offer an exhilarating escape from daily routines, allowing us to unwind and immerse ourselves in a thrilling mystery. It's a source of entertainment and relaxation, balancing the intrigue of real-life mysteries and the enjoyment of leisure time.
15. Appreciate Life
In the midst of the tragedies and hardships depicted in true crime narratives, there's a profound lesson in gratitude. Witnessing the challenges faced by victims and their families reminds us to appreciate the blessings in our own lives. It encourages us to cherish every moment and value the people we hold dear, knowing that life is a precious gift.
Source: Reddit.
Creshonda Smith is a creative writer that thrives on learning something new everyday and sharing that knowledge in a way that captivates others. She has 15 years of experience as a freelance writer for various companies, but she was previously a Clinical Social Worker, having obtained her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from The Ohio State University. After nearly 10 years in the field, she decided it was time to return to one of her childhood passions—writing that inspires. Creshonda will tackle any topic, but she prefers lifestyle articles centered around Health & Wellness, Parenting & Family Advice, Food + Drinks, Personal Growth, and Traveling. She has four beautiful children and has been married for a decade. Her favorite hobbies include traveling to anywhere there's a beach, reading, writing, and playing UNO! Creshonda has been a contributing writer for Wealth of Geeks since June 2023.