The myths and realities of serial killers and their crimes

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on how media sensationalism has affected people’s perception of serial killers. The number of inaccurate portrayals of serial killer characters in films has mainly influenced this. Several myths about serial killers have emerged because of the material discovered throughout this research. Most of the myths include that they were all sexually molested as youngsters, that they are all full of lust, and that they are all white males. However, the theories illustrate that a person might become a serial killer for reasons other than sexual assault. As it has been emphasized throughout the dissertation, this phenomenon has piqued the public's interest, with frequent appearances and references to it in the media. The research that follows will look at the truth and falseness, of serial killing. This examination makes use of a content analysis of three serial killers. These case studies should help to address whether the media portrays serial killing realistically or not.