scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

How do humans create perceptions of serial killers? 


Best insight from top research papers

Humans create perceptions of serial killers through a combination of societal influences, personal experiences, and psychological factors. The portrayal of serial killers in media as evil monsters can shape public perceptions , while childhood experiences of abuse and trauma can contribute to the development of aggressive behaviors in individuals, potentially leading to serial killing tendencies . Additionally, the lack of a consistent set of factors that define a serial killer challenges the notion of them being "monsters," highlighting the complexity of their motives and methods . The public's engagement with memes featuring serial killers reflects a societal negotiation with the monstrous and a normalization of their figure in popular culture . Overall, a combination of media influence, personal experiences, and societal responses contributes to the creation of perceptions surrounding serial killers.

Answers from top 5 papers

More filters
Papers (5)Insight
Book ChapterDOI
24 Mar 2022
Perceptions of serial killers are influenced by challenges in obtaining accurate data and sensationalized true crime narratives, leading to misconceptions about their psychopathology, motives, and justifications.
Book ChapterDOI
25 Apr 2022
Humans create perceptions of serial killers through the transformation of their image into celebrities, facilitated by the circulation of 'serial killer memes' that turn pathologized experiences into humor, potentially normalizing their figure.
Humans create perceptions of serial killers through early abuse experiences, corrupted love maps, and sensory preconditioning linking aversive emotions with sexual desire, often influenced by traumatic memories and brain development.
Humans create perceptions of serial killers through intrasubjective understanding, influenced by societal factors like fear, misunderstanding, and social aggression, as highlighted in the research on the psychological portrait of serial killers.
Perceptions of serial killers are often influenced by stereotypes; however, factors like stress, trauma, loneliness, and childhood experiences play a significant role in shaping these perceptions.

Related Questions

How mass media affect serial killer?5 answersMass media significantly impact serial killers by propelling them to fame through extensive coverage, creating a template for reporting on such crimes, and influencing public perception. The media often sensationalizes serial killers, focusing on their crimes, motivations, and personal lives while marginalizing victims. This coverage can lead to the killers being afforded celebrity status, with journalists drawing readers in by emphasizing entertaining aspects or empathetic tones towards the killers. The reporting on infamous cases like the Moors Murders sets a precedent for how modern media handles serial killings, giving killers nicknames and delving into their backgrounds for explanations of their actions. Overall, media portrayal plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of serial killers and their crimes.
What is the attitude towards serial killers?5 answersThe attitude towards serial killers is multifaceted and varies among different groups. While some believe that serial murder is connected to mental illness, childhood abuse, sadistic personality, and anger, others challenge the stereotypical view of serial killers as evil monsters with dysfunctional behaviors and relationships, emphasizing the complexity of factors that may lead to such behavior. Serial killers are often perceived as callous individuals who lack empathy for their victims and are unlikely to be rehabilitated, with a majority of people supporting the death penalty for them. Despite the decline in serial murder globally, there is an increase in cultural fascination with these criminals, highlighting a complex societal perception of serial killers. The portrayal of serial killers in media and entertainment has contributed to myths and stereotypes surrounding their behavior, further complicating society's understanding of this phenomenon.
How do cultural and societal factors influence public emotions towards serial killers?4 answersCultural and societal factors significantly influence public emotions towards serial killers. Media portrayals of serial killings in news and entertainment shape public perceptions, blurring the lines between fact and fiction. Myths and stereotypes surrounding serial killers, such as being loners or having abusive backgrounds, impact how society views them. The decline in serial murder globally has led to increased cultural fascination, affecting how the public engages with the topic. Dark tourism related to serial killings, fueled by films and TV series, showcases how individuals are drawn to sites associated with real or fictional serial killers, driven by motives ranging from education to entertainment. These influences highlight the complex interplay between cultural narratives, societal beliefs, and public emotions towards serial killers.
What emotions doe public hold for serial killers?5 answersThe public's emotions towards serial killers are complex, ranging from outrage and disgust to fascination and curiosity. While initial reactions often involve shock and horror, there is also a notable fascination with serial killers evident in popular culture, as seen in the success of movies based on their crimes. Studies show that many people believe serial killers like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Richard Ramirez are irredeemable and should face the death penalty, viewing them as possessing sadistic personalities. However, the public's response to different cases of serial killings can vary, with some cases evoking more intense emotions and demands for action than others. Overall, the public's emotions towards serial killers encompass a mix of fear, intrigue, and a desire for justice.
What is the perception that young adults hold about serial killers?5 answersYoung adults perceive serial killers as individuals connected to mental illness, childhood abuse, sadistic personality, and anger. They believe that serial murderers are unlikely to be treated or rehabilitated, with a majority advocating for the death penalty. Additionally, research suggests that psychosocial factors play a crucial role in understanding how children and young people commit serious crimes like serial murders. Furthermore, there is a trend in depicting disturbed teenagers struggling to repress their innate bloodlust in popular culture, highlighting the perception of young adults towards the complexity of serial killers. Overall, the perception of young adults towards serial killers is influenced by factors like mental health, childhood experiences, and societal portrayals in media and literature.
How are serial killers portrayed in movies?5 answersSerial killers are portrayed in movies in various ways. Some films depict them as attractive and seductive characters, using stylistic and literary devices to manipulate the audience into sympathizing with the murderer rather than the victim. Other movies present serial killers as sympathetic anti-heroes, struggling with their bloodlust and trying to repress their violent urges. There are also horror films that perpetuate harmful stereotypes by exaggerating and misrepresenting mental illnesses, associating them with criminal behavior. Additionally, feminist analysis of serial killer portrait films reveals a tautological construction of the serial killer, placing him outside society and disconnected from normative constructions of masculinity. Overall, the portrayal of serial killers in movies varies, ranging from aestheticized and sympathetic depictions to harmful stereotypes and deconstruction of societal norms.

See what other people are reading

How does the use of social media impact the mental health of young Moroccans?
5 answers
The use of social media significantly impacts the mental health of young Moroccans. Research indicates that social media addiction levels vary among Moroccan adolescents. While platforms like Facebook are popular for communication and entertainment, excessive use can lead to negative consequences, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness. Exposure to information about events like the COVID-19 pandemic through social media can also contribute to increased anxiety and decreased well-being among the general population. Furthermore, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram can influence self-image, leading to a drop in self-esteem and potential mental health complications. Therefore, mindful use of social media is crucial to mitigate its adverse effects and promote positive mental well-being among young Moroccans.
What is hedonism?
5 answers
Hedonism is a lifestyle or philosophical approach that prioritizes pleasure and enjoyment as the main goals in life, often at the expense of other values or responsibilities. It involves seeking pleasure while avoiding pain, with a focus on personal gratification. This pursuit of pleasure can manifest in various forms, such as material consumption, self-indulgence, and the disregard for ethical or moral boundaries. Hedonism can lead individuals to prioritize their own desires over societal norms, potentially resulting in behaviors that conflict with established values. The concept of hedonism has been observed in various contexts, from historical figures like Sir Walter Elliot in literature to modern-day students engaging in hedonistic behaviors influenced by social media and societal trends.
How does the implementation of remote learning affect the emotional well-being of students?
5 answers
The implementation of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant implications for the emotional well-being of students. Studies from various regions have highlighted the impact of remote learning on students' mental health. Research in Hong Kong emphasized the negative association between positive emotional experiences of primary school students and their parents' reported depression and anxiety, as well as the link between social support and parents' mental health. Similarly, a study in Washington State, USA, emphasized the need to address the mental health concerns of students, particularly those from under-represented communities, through collaborative efforts involving students, parents, educators, and community leaders. Additionally, research from Zhengzhou University of Technology indicated that first-year students faced challenges in adapting to remote learning, leading to lower mental resilience compared to fourth-year students. These findings collectively underscore the importance of considering socioemotional factors in remote learning to support students' emotional well-being.
How can role playing games be used to help research teams?
5 answers
Role-playing games (RPGs) can be utilized to aid research teams by providing a simulated environment for practicing research skills. RPG tasks can extend research on human associative learning, as seen in studies on latent inhibition and context-specific latent inhibition, offering a unique tool for exploring cognitive processes. Additionally, incorporating RPG elements into learning media, such as multimedia-based role play games, can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes in science subjects. By integrating challenge, narrative, and collaboration, RPGs foster the development of communication and collaboration skills, especially when followed by a formal debrief period. Furthermore, incorporating research about different cultures into role-playing activities can help students develop empathy and respect for diverse perspectives, enhancing their ability to approach situations from various viewpoints.
What are the most common reasons for companies or individuals to be targeted by cancel culture?
5 answers
Companies or individuals are often targeted by cancel culture for various reasons. One common cause is past transgressions, where social shaming and withdrawal of support are responses to objectionable or offensive actions or statements. Cancel culture can also be a tool used by both right-wing and left-wing groups for character assassination, portraying the target as too dangerous or heinous to be heard. The rise of social media has intensified cancel culture, making past sins easily accessible and enabling rapid dissemination of social reprobation, leading to severe consequences for the targets. Additionally, the culture of cancellation is fueled by the public's ability to boycott brands that go against prevailing opinions, causing significant harm to brand reputations and necessitating crisis management strategies.
What is the definition of employee well-being?
5 answers
Employee well-being encompasses various dimensions such as physical, emotional, and mental health, along with economic security and a conducive work environment. It involves providing services, benefits, and facilities that promote the overall welfare of employees, ensuring they work in healthy and supportive conditions. Well-being at work can be viewed from hedonic (pleasure-based) and eudaimonic (meaning-based) perspectives, emphasizing positive emotions, personal growth, and a sense of purpose. Implementing well-being programs like "Wellbeing" can significantly impact productivity and employee loyalty, with historical evolution, necessary elements, advantages, disadvantages, and risks considered. Overall, employee well-being is crucial for enhancing productivity, engagement, and retention rates within organizations.
Why do people suddenly lose feelings after a long-term relationship?
5 answers
People may suddenly lose feelings after a long-term relationship due to various factors. One significant aspect could be the impact of sensory impairment on cognitive function and social interactions, leading to loneliness and isolation, as highlighted in studies by Leroi et al.. Additionally, physical health issues, such as balance problems in older individuals undergoing hemodialysis, can affect overall well-being and potentially influence emotional connections in relationships, as discussed by Galen et al.. Furthermore, the aggressive nature of certain medical conditions, like invasive giant prolactinomas, can lead to severe health complications, potentially causing emotional distress and affecting relationships, as shown in the case study by Blackmon et al.. Overall, a combination of physical, cognitive, and emotional factors can contribute to the sudden loss of feelings in individuals following a long-term relationship.
How does proper communication help the student's development?
5 answers
Proper communication plays a crucial role in students' development by enhancing their skills and fostering positive relationships. Effective communication between teachers and students is essential for conveying knowledge, motivating students, and creating a conducive learning environment. Teachers need to possess strong communication skills to engage students, provide emotional support, and respect their ideas, thus promoting a culture of open dialogue and mutual respect. Additionally, the development of students' communication skills, including logical, understandable, and polite communication, is a primary task for teachers, emphasizing the importance of acquiring communicative competence through various educational games and activities. Humanizing pedagogical communication further contributes to harmoniously influencing students' personality development within the educational process. In essence, effective communication nurtures students' socioemotional skills, fosters learning engagement, and cultivates a supportive educational environment conducive to holistic development.
How poverty cause Hong Kong's older adults mental health problem?
5 answers
Poverty among Hong Kong's older adults can significantly impact their mental health. Research indicates that poverty, including income-based poverty, material deprivation, asset-based poverty, and expenditure-based poverty, can lead to depressive symptoms and reduced life satisfaction. Social support, such as instrumental, financial, and informational support, plays a crucial role in mitigating the negative effects of poverty on depression, acting as a buffer against the impact of different poverty dimensions on mental well-being. Additionally, individuals living alone and in poverty face challenges like social isolation, declining health, high medical expenses, and housing insecurity, which can further exacerbate mental health issues. Addressing poverty in old age requires a multifaceted approach that considers both external resources and the intrinsic strengths of older adults to promote mental well-being.
How online learning have impacted the four domins of quality of life of secondary studnets from rural area?
5 answers
Online learning has significantly impacted the quality of life of secondary students from rural areas in various ways. The studies highlight that online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic has led to challenges such as internet connectivity issues, distractions during classes, and difficulties in understanding the material. However, it has also brought about positive outcomes like enhanced active learning, technological competence, and learner autonomy among students in remote and underprivileged schools. Additionally, the digital gaps amplified by the pandemic have deepened in vulnerable areas, affecting digital literacy levels and access to technology among rural secondary students, ultimately influencing their online learning experience and overall quality of life. These findings underscore the complex impact of online learning on the quality of life of secondary students from rural areas, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address the challenges and leverage the benefits of online education.
How technologies are affecting family relationships?
5 answers
Technologies have a multifaceted impact on family relationships. Research indicates that ICT use can both strengthen and weaken family bonds. Personal ICT use and technoference often lead to negative outcomes, such as attention displacement and conflicts, particularly in romantic relationships. However, communication and co-use of technology within families generally have positive effects, promoting closeness and understanding. Moreover, the frequency of telephone and video calls mediates the relationship between family proximity and social isolation among older individuals, highlighting the role of technology in maintaining connections within families. Additionally, family technology use can create or amplify conflicts among parents, emphasizing the need to address this issue to maintain healthy family dynamics.