Do Serial Killers Have an Impact on the US Media

Serial killers have a significant impact on the U.S. media. People are obsessed and intrigued with murder and mayhem, especially when it comes down to serial killers. They thrive on the information about them. The media uses serial killers to bring attention to them and to bring viewers to their stations. 

The media gives as much information to the public about serial killers as they can. They get their information from witnesses, investigators, and statistical records. Unfortunately, the media tends to exaggerate their information, causing the public to become worried, yet still intrigued. The more gore in a story, the better the numbers of viewers. This does not help with investigations of serial killers because too much information is being exposed, and it is not always correct.
When a serial killer "strikes," the media does all it can to get as much information as possible. They show up at the crime scene, making the investigators' work even harder than it already is. They also give information to the public that should not be given out, such as specific details and promises that investigators will solve the serial murders in a timely manner. That is not always the case.

"If it bleeds, it leads," is a motto used by the media. The more heinous the crime, the more coverage each news station will give toward the crime, victims, and suspects. Society is fascinated with the lifestyle of serial killers, as well as the crimes themselves. At the same time, they are also terrified. The media should be telling the public very little information, but should give a lot of information about protecting yourself and avoiding becoming the victim of a serial killer. In actuality, it works the opposite way.