The true cost of true crime’s explosion on victims’ families

By: Sophia Brockway LO’T Co-Editor in Chief

Whether it’s a special two part streaming series, a documentary, magazine or podcast, true crime has taken over media and is growing in popularity across the country. The true crime genre has many fans, including myself, and researchers have come up with several theories as to why people love hearing the gruesome details of tragic crimes all for enterainment value. According to The University of Law, an academic organization based in the UK, the most widely agreed upon theory is that as humans, we like to know about other human behavior- especially if it puts us at risk. With true crime we are able to hear what perpatrators did to target victims as well as other details we may find helpful to keep us safe like why certain victims survived or the usually creepy motivations behind the crimes. A study perfrmed by the University of Illinois in 2010 found that true crime is especially popular among young women, specifically stories with women as the victims.

Along with the insight into human nature, true crime has a problem solving aspect to it as well, which humans are known for being obsessed with. Unfortunately, true crime is not always entertaining for everyone, like those impacted by the crimes. As the true crime genre has expanded into television and movies, more and more there is debate about the ethics of possibly exploiting victims. While some true crime shows focus on details of the case and investigation, some hire actors and completely recreate real events. When a true crime project becomes a reenactment,it can immedietly becomes offensive, and at that point, it is no longer about the event but about entertainment of the viewers.

When the discussion of the ethics of true crime came about, it was clear to me where the difference between sharing a story to spread awareness and remember the victims and exploiting the death or attack of another person and their families stood. A recent title that we can all recall is the Netflix Original Jeffery Dahmer series titled “Dahmer,” which many enjoyed while others found shameful. The issue at hand was that the entire series focused on the killer and showed graphic reenactments of the different murders Dahmer committed. I found the disturbing scenes. Very untasteful due to the fact that most Americans not only already know who Dahmer is and what he did, but when you put it on a screen and make it into a film, it takes away the intense reality that this monster killed real people who have families who are still here grieving their losses. The reality is that Dahmer killed upwards of 17 young men and those men lost their lives in terrible, horrifying, and graphic circumstances. Dahmer’s victims’ families have to live knowing that millions of people comfortably watched an imitation of their loved ones’ deaths, and yet they won’t remember their names or have to live with the haunting memories of their murders. Even more, oftentimes these families are not compensated for their story and recieve no royalties from any success.

What’s important about these stories is always the people who were lost. Often, when cases are complicated and trials become national headlines, the victims become overlooked. A different Netflix Original docudrama “Making a Murderer” fell under similar scrutiny and criticism for completely disregarding a victim’s story. The documentary covers the story of Steven Avery who was wrongly imprisoned and later exonerated for rape charges and who was then later reconvicted for the murder of a young woman by the name of Teresa Halbach, according to Netflix’s synopsis of the show. The series suggests that Avery was framed for his second conviction and mentions very little about the person Teresa was or her family. After the series came out, her family spoke out telling People Magazine, “It is not even close to what really happened. Everybody has their own side of a story. That is the Avery family’s side of the story. I wouldn t expect it to be different. They think he is innocent. I am not surprised. I am surprised that someone would put that together in that way and have it [be] one-sided.” Halbach’s family firmly believes in Avery’s guilt, and for them, the series added salt in the already terrible wound of her death. When I watched the series, I was undoubtly convinced of Steven Avery’s innocence, but I forgot that all media is biased, and there is always a goal or agenda. “Making a Murderer’s” goal was to raise awareness about Avery’s situation, which is seemingly unfair. In the process of doing so though, they neglected someone who lost more than Avery did.

However, True crime is not definitively unethical, in general, and there are plently of really well produced shows and podcasts that take special care to show respect to the victims. An example of this would be NBC’s iconic “Dateline.” This show interviews family members of the victim as well as family members of the killer and investigators. A production like this allows the facts to be shown from all sides as well as the different perspectives of the events that happened. The show often has friends and family describe the personality of the victims, which highlights the humanity of every sin- gle crime and the loss of those victims. It is so important with true crime to stress the true nature of every crime and the pain and impact those deaths leave behind.

Another issue with true crime of late is its psychological effect on how we think. Many different articles ranging from Wired to the New York Times discuss how true crime may increase paranoia. A research article published in 2020 found that crime news consumption was linked to an increased irrational fear of violence. Though obviously nobody wants more anxiety, maybe an increased irrational fear of violence isnt always bad. In this sense, it could be argued that true crime motivates people to take steps to ensure their personal safety. Some also claim true crime skews society’s view of the justice system, so to that, I say we don’t need true crime to make the justice system look bad; they do it enough themselves.

In the end, true crime is addictive and definitely isn’t going away, but as consumers, we should carefully choose which productions are given the credit they deserve and which are using the worst day of someone’s life to make a buck. Take the time to learn the names of the victims and forget the names of the abusers. These stories are ‘nobodies’ but the victims to tell, so when they are retold, they should be done so correctly and respectfully.

ChatGPT generates controversy regarding education

By: Siri Chintala LO’T Editor-in-Chief

ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence-based chatbot, was initially released in November of 2022 by OpenAI and is now finding its way into learning environments. “The Guardian’’ discloses that the AI startup was co-founded by Elon Musk and other tech venture capitalists, including Sam Altman, during 2015 with a goal of “[advancing] digital intelligence in the way that is most likely to benefit humanity.” While this may be the case, controversy revolves around the issue of whether artificial intelligence belongs in the classroom, and if so, how should it be used?

“The New York Times” contends that schools should “adapt to prepare students for a future filled with all kinds of capable A.I. tools.” In fact, students and users of ChatGPT have utilized the AI tool to find research prompts and study for tests by asking the chatbox to generate study guides for specific subjects.

According to “WeeTech Solution,” ChatGPT “may be utilized in a variety of natural language processing applications,” such as generating text for a wide range of tasks like producing information regarding a detailed topic. Additionally, a unique feature of ChatGPT is that it is designed in a way that enhances communication because it generates “responses in a manner that is similar to a human conversation.” Personally, I can see the value of the app because I tell ChatGPT to generate study guides for most of my classes, which helps me with last-minute skimming and allows me to recall terms and ideas.

Personally, I can see the value of the app because I tell ChatGPT to generate study guides for most of my classes, which helps me with last-minute skimming and allows me to recall terms and ideas.

Within the classroom, due to ChatGPT’s fast response production, “Entrepreneur” maintains that students may be given immediate commentary on their work, which may aid their writing and math skills. Moreover, since teachers may not be able to answer emails at night, the bot provides students with the opportunity to ask ChatGPT, which runs all the time. Plus, students are able to ask chatbox-specific questions, allowing them to delve deeper into various topics. The magazine goes on to claim that although ChatGPT “cannot actually be used as a citable source,” it is equipped with a plethora of resources from across the internet that may be used to build background knowledge.

Along with students, “Entrepreneur” asserts that ChatGPT may also help “teachers streamline one of their most time-consuming tasks: grading.” In this case, the chatbox may evaluate assignments and give teachers suggestions on creating more stimulating lesson plans for students. With that being said, teachers who create their own assessments may utilize ChatGPT to construct their test questions from scratch.

While ChatGPT can provide a greater learning experience for students in the classroom, many are concerned by its ability to enable students to misuse the AI-based chatbot for cheating purposes.

First off, since ChatGPT has the ability to construct essays, students may easily ask the chatbot to write essays for them, reducing students’ ability to exercise their critical thinking skills.For this reason, teachers’ greatest concerns regarding ChatGPT is that students may take advantage of the AI chatbox and plagiarize their way through essays, leaving their writing skills dormant. As a matter of fact, a survey conducted by “Intelligent’’ revealed that “30% of college students have used ChatGPT on written homework” and “3 in 4 ChatGPT users believe it is cheating but use it anyway.”

Additionally, some users “consider using ChatGPT to be cheating as long as the work produced is still original and not plagiarized,” whereas some perceive it to be “a form of academic dishonesty.” The fact that users who identify their act of plagiarism continue to do so aids another rising problem: dependence on technology.

I find this aspect of the chatbox to be highly controversial and unethical as students have the option to use ChatGPT as an essay generator. However, to aid teachers in the struggle of finding AI generated essays, “Entrepreneur” declares that Princeton student, Edward Tian created GPTZero, an app used to detect AI technology within essays for teachers to double check students’ works.

“Entrepreneur” advocates that “With such an easy search tool,” users may use ChatGPT as “a crutch instead of a tool.” This way, students who depend on using the chatbox for most of their assignments may eventually deviate from learning basic problem solving skills as well as writing skills. On the contrary, what if artificial intelligence is the future of learning for students? Is dependency on technology truly a bad thing? With all of the tools ChatGPT provides students, I believe that students may be able to effectively and efficiently study for school and exams, so ChatGPT may ultimately have a favorable impact on the education system.

LO’T Editorial Policy

Line O’Type is the official school-sponsored paper of Moline High School. The paper is published by the students under the supervision of faculty advisors for the Moline High School community. The staff will strive to accurately report school, local, state, and national news that affects high school students. Line O’Type Signals is also a forum open to students, faculty and administration to encourage the airing of opinions respresenting all sides of an issue.

All submitted material must be signed, due to a code passed by the school board. All responses or questions regarding editorials should be directed to your Editors-in-Chief, Sophia Brockway and Siri Chintala and faculty advisors, Heidi Norcross and Heather Breidenbach

Careers aren’t meant to be feared!

By: Itzel Herrera LO’T Focus Editor

Moline students, especially those who are taking the SAT, prepare!

This is a reminder to study and get ready for the big test, but don’t forget to prepare for your future as well.

High school is a time to explore your interests, and what better way than to get involved and learn more about what hobbies and interests that you might be able to turn into a career. Try to think about the things you like to do and narrow them down into something you think you would have fun doing as a career in the long term.

It may sound overwhelming to some, but dig deep in what you connect with and find the goals that you can set for yourself. Then, accomplish those small steps to work toward a greater opportunity.

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Everyone’s career path is different, and there is no ‘right’ way to start a career,” which means that each situation for each person is different. Don’t be afraid to cut ties or start anew with what you are choosing. There isn’t the need to feel like the career you choose is the only thing you are set for in the rest of your life.

It’s also important to remember to broaden your horizons, as keeping an open eye might also promote you to seek more careers that you might enjoy. Maybe it sounds inconsiderable, or it’s a job that you personally don’t find yourself ever thinking about, but it’s something new and something you may discover later on as a possible future career that you will be pleased with.

As the saying goes, “You never know until you try,” and on this occasion, it can be applied in this instance. Explore what you like. Join clubs, activities, sports, arts, literature and so many other things that can be offered during your high school years. They don’t also have to be necessarily from school, as joining organizations, offering volunteer work and learning to handle jobs is all in the process of what you expect to do for the rest of your future career.