#7 - Exploiting a News Story

Exploitation: True Crime Cases

Exploitation is defined as "the action or fact of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work;" it is also defined as "the action of making use of and benefiting from recourses."  Regardless of someone's definition, exploitation is used every day in different circumstances, including in the news. For example, companies, politicians, and people, in general, will exploit a story for personal gain or promote their cause rather than to spread awareness or share the facts of an event. One instance of this is news channels extending fake news to make a point or gain favor for a political party. 

One topic that is controversially exploited to a significant degree is true crime. Many people enjoy educating themselves through true crime stories because they find them entertaining or interesting. Not all entertainment programs that discuss true crime are exploitive; however, many can agree that some mediums will exploit these stories to gain viewership or popularity. Whether documentaries, films, podcasts, social media accounts, news, or youtube videos, people will use a criminal case for personal gain by making light of the event or exploiting the families and victims. 

There is a right and a wrong way to discuss a true crime case. Many documentaries or true-crime series will solely discuss the event and even include victims' families to share their side of the story. Many victims and their families want the story told and want to raise awareness of the crime; however, many will share a story for entertainment or humor. 

One of the most recent examples is the Gabby Petito case. Gabby went missing in September of 2021 after going on a road trip with her boyfriend, Brian. It is not morally wrong to share the story on social media or raise awareness regarding her disappearance; however, there were many social media accounts at the time that used the story to gain followers and popularity. For example, TikTok creator Paris Campbell posted more than 50 videos regarding the case. Because of the popularity of the videos, Campbell qualified for the creator's fund, which resulted in her making a profit off her content. Multiple TikTokers used the story to gain followers on their channel. Some psychics and mediums gained followers because they claimed they knew where her body was and would post theories about her killing. Of course, many people post ideas or give opinions regarding crimes and missing persons cases, but when is it taken too far? 

Many people have discussed podcasts exploiting victims on their channels. Many podcasters make money off telling the stories of the victims without compensation to the families or even without familial permission. Many people have discussed the morality of these podcasts and whether or not this type of entertainment should be presented to audiences. 

It is not an argument that true crime is not only for entertainment, but it is used to raise awareness. Documentaries and crime shows are critical and can warn people of the dangerous world and the people they should let in their lives. It is no question that people will abuse the power of storytelling and exploit people who have endured horrendous crimes without justice. Empathy for victims and their families and remaining ethical is the only way to raise awareness and tell a story.