CS 371 - Blog Post One - Rebekah Krofchick

Hi everyone! My name is Rebekah, and I am a third-year communications studies student. There are several things within the online universe that I find quite interesting, some of which have already been mentioned. I thought I'd highlight something that is a part of an online community that I subscribe to, and that is the true crime realm of the internet. Specifically, I've decided to highlight the website WebSleuths on an online forum that facilitates discourse around real cases of crime or criminal events. Here is the link: websleuths.com/forums/ 

I think WebSleuths is a very interesting example of the discourse found online because the content on WebSleuths can be considered both destructive and productive. The purpose of the site is for regular people to act as sort of "armchair detectives" and give their opinion on crimes, criminals, law enforcement, criminal procedures, and more. While there has been some helpful information posted to this site, it can be very dangerous as it can seem as though the users of the site are converting crime and criminals into a form of social entertainment. It becomes a spectacle for people, and often times it seems as though the people on this site forget that there are real lives affected, or even lost, because of these crimes. However, I also understand the interest in these cases, I have it myself. So, I don't think the problem is with WebSleuths as a platform for people interested in true crime to discuss real cases. I think the problem begins when people forget that these are real cases, not fiction for the entertainment of users, and begin to a) take the investigation into their own hands, or b) glorify these crimes/criminals. 

I would love to hear what you guys think. Is WebSleuths problematic? If so, do you think there is any good in the platform? 

Comments

  1. Avery CarpinoSeptember 16, 2022 at 2:35 PM

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  2. Mahaila MilneSeptember 17, 2022 at 11:24 AM

    Hi Rebekah! I have not heard of the website WebSleauths before but think that that's a really interesting concept! I agree that true crime can be really interesting to hear and follow along with. I agree with you and can definitely see how this website could be both harmful as well as productive. It allows people to stay up to date on real crimes that have actually taken place, which has the potential to be a positive thing. I think that like many other areas of the internet, it has the capability to also be damaging and create a space where people are not as considerate to the fact that these crimes have had a real impact on other people who may have been close to the victim. I also think that the problem is not created by the website itself, but rather the individuals who don't appreciate the effects these crimes have had in other peoples lives.

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  3. Avery CarpinoSeptember 19, 2022 at 10:03 AM

    Hi Rebekah! I also find the realm of true crime content to be interesting! I have never heard of WebSleuths, but can see how a platform that allows for open discussion about crime and/or criminal activity could be both helpful and harmful. I often listen to a podcast called True Crime with Kendall Rae, in which she emphasizes the importance of being an ‘active true crime follower’ — someone that consumes true crime while actively sharing cases, donating to victims or their families, etc. While WebSleuth seems like a platform that can easily help one be an active true crime follower, it is often nearly impossible for these online forums to filter out inevitable negative comments — ones that are offensive, contribute to glorification, or spread rumours.

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