Students at Indiana University Kokomo are embracing their fascination with murder media—from true-crime podcasts to classic mystery novels—blending academic curiosity with the thrill of fear. 

“Murder is such a popular topic here, whether it’s through podcasts, documentaries, or just the stories people trade between classes,” student Emilee Linder said. “It’s one thing to listen to something creepy—it’s another to see something that feels like it’s out of one of those stories.” 

Podcasts like CreepCast, hosted by Isaiah and Hunter, remain favorites among students looking for scares with a touch of humor. “They read creepy stories and react as they go—it’s hilarious and terrifying at the same time,” Linder said. 

Experts say this fascination with crime is far from unusual. According to media psychologist Dr. Amanda Vicary, who has studied true-crime audiences, people—especially women—are often drawn to murder media because it helps them feel more prepared for potential danger. “It allows them to explore their fears safely, from a distance,” Vicary noted in her 2019 study on true-crime engagement. 

“It’s spooky season, after all,” Linder said. “People like to feel scared when it’s safe to do so.” 

Whether through late-night Netflix binges or eerie campus coincidences, IUK students continue to explore why crime, fear, and fascination intertwine so effectively—and what that reveals about human curiosity.