Young people are increasingly finding their way to the True Crime Community (TCC), a disturbing online subculture that obsesses over mass killers. 

CNN recently released a short documentary and written feature on how children find their way to this online community and the dangers associated with their involvement. The outlet interviewed ISD Senior Manager Cody Zoschak, describing him as “of the only people who have been monitoring and analyzing this space for years.” 

Cody highlighted the unique aspects of TCC, describing the average individual involved with the online subculture. 

“If you were to pick out your stereotypical TCC member, it’s probably a younger teenage girl,” Cody said. “They’re seeking that relationship. And that, often, tips into a romantic or a sexual obsession.” 

CNN cited ISD’s research linking the TCC to at least 23 attacks or disrupted plots to illustrate the danger of this growing phenomenon. In response to what can be done to about the TCC and its harms, Cody emphasized the role of individuals within the lives of those involved with TCC.

“People are looking for acceptance, they are looking for community, they are looking to be valued. Showing them that community comes in a myriad of forms. You can find it in many, many places, and that this one in particularly doesn’t end well.” 

Watch the full CNN report here, and read the written feature here.