Gen Z Women’s Attraction to Criminals Explored
A new study suggests that young women who frequently watch TikTok videos glamorizing criminals may develop a sexual attraction to them. This phenomenon, known as hybristophilia, seems to be linked to the content they consume.
The research indicates that viewers who engage with such videos typically score higher on measures of hybristophilia, compared to those who simply scroll past them. Many of these videos highlight infamous serial killers like Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer, often portraying them in a sympathetic or romantic light.
Some TikTok users have even labeled these men as “ideal partners,” interpreting violent or possessive actions as signs of love and loyalty. This perspective can sometimes lead to lighter, sarcastic comments, like calling the killers “daddy” or expressing a desire to “fix” them, suggesting that love might redeem these individuals.
The analysis was conducted by psychologists from the University of Huddersfield, who examined 66 TikToks and 91 comments from 2020 to 2024, alongside a survey of nearly 100 women aged 18 to 27 to assess their feelings about hybristophilia and related traits.
The researchers also pointed out a potential “actor-criminal transference,” where fascination with actors portraying these criminals—like Zac Efron as Bundy—extends to real-life offenders.
According to the study authors, TikTok may influence empathy and moral perspectives among Gen Z women in subtle ways. The platform often intertwines fictional representations of crime with real-life consequences, generating confusion between admiration and reality.
Maria Ioannou and Kari Tsani, the leading researchers, commented that TikTok blurs the lines between fantasy and harmful actions through attractive portrayals, emotionally charged music, and a dose of humor. They noted a tendency for narratives to focus more on offenders rather than their victims, which alters viewers’ emotional responses.
Michelle Drouhin, a co-author and psychology professor, pointed out that TikTok’s algorithm tailors content to individual interests, potentially deepening users’ familiarity with criminal figures. This design may fuel a quest for connection that shifts away from real-life interactions.
The study touches on a recent incident involving the arrest of Luigi Mangione, a data engineer accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Almost immediately after his arrest, social media became flooded with memes praising Mangione’s looks, raising concerns about trivializing violence and glamorizing individuals accused of serious crimes.
Pamela Rutledge, a media psychology expert, remarked that TikTok’s structure encourages obsession by frequently presenting emotionally charged segments that highlight danger. She noted a growing trend toward virtual romance, particularly among younger users who are heavily engaged in digital spaces.
According to Rutledge, this environment allows for a normalization and romanticization of risky behaviors, ultimately fostering hybridrophilic attractions.
