Narratives of Trauma: Collective Memory, Digital Media and the Commodification of Violence

This thesis explores the representation of trauma in media, focusing on how narratives of suffering are constructed, commodified, and consumed across various platforms. Through interdisciplinary approaches that integrate trauma studies, psychology, media analysis, and cultural theory, this research examines how trauma narratives shape individual and collective identity, influence public perception, and drive audience interests, attitudes, and behaviors, particularly regarding media consumption. The study addresses the ethical implications of commodifying trauma, especially within popular genres like true crime, and investigates how media representation affects collective memory. By analyzing case studies from both traditional and online media, the thesis offers insights into the complex dynamics of media production, narrative construction, and audience reception. The findings reveal a critical tension between authentic storytelling and the commodification of human suffering, contributing to ongoing discussions in trauma and media studies.