Teen suicide is a topic that has not been discussed heavily in popular media or entertainment shows. Until recently with the launch of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, much of the early research has focused more on the media’s portrayal of suicide, imitation of fictional media, the impact of media coverage on suicide, etc. For example, Pirkis and Blood (2001) and Gould (2001) highlight that in 1774, Goethe published Sorrows of Young Werther, in which the hero of the novel shoots himself because he was unable to attain the woman that he fell in love with. This widely read romantic novel had a great impact, especially in Europe. Pirkis and Blood (2001) notes that an increase in suicides in European countries led many to believe that the
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According to American Psychiatric Association (2018), suicide rates are on a concerning upward trend. It is also the third leading cause of death for individuals between 10 and 14 years of age and the second leading cause for individuals between 15 and 34. Gould (2001) argues that the media brings forth the opportunity for indirect transmission of suicide contagion or imitation. Similarly, Pirkis and Blood (2010) found some evidence to suggest that film and television portrayals of suicide and actual suicide behavior exist. By analyzing 27 studies (three descriptive studies, 20 ecological studies, and four individual-level studies), the results suggest a negative influence of these media. In other words, popular media that glorifies or romanticize the sensitive portrayal of suicide is doing more harm than good to vulnerable viewers. Furthermore, Pirkis and Blood (2010) highlights that entertainment shows depiction of suicide could potentially lead to imitation acts as explained in the social learning theory. The portrayal of suicide often sends a message to teens indirectly encouraging them that suicide is a “course of action”. However, Mueller (2017) argues that the relationship between the media and suicide rates is potentially complex. The media portrayal of suicide draws heavily on society and its preexisting beliefs and knowledge. Moreover, …show more content…
The series is centered on the life of a high school girl, Hannah Baker who later commits suicide. The scene in which Hannah dies is especially graphic and very detailed. Like many others, Jacobson (2017) argues that the series romanticizes suicide which places vulnerable viewers at risk of suicide contagion. In the Washington Post, Butler’s 2017 article on 13a Reasons Why warns that suicide prevention experts advise against describing suicide in such graphic detail due to the risk of suicide contagion or “copycat” suicides. Similarly, Fox News 2017 article highlights that “Families blame 13 Reason Why for Two teens suicide”. The article states that the Netflix series acted as a trigger for the two teens who watched the show and died four days apart. One of the teen’s ugly states that the two-minute scene where Hannah Baker slits her wrist in a bathtub is too graphic. In addition, Jacobson (2017) argues that 13 Reasons Why focuses on blaming others, downplays the effects of mental illnesses specifically depression at work. Jacobson adds that the series suggests that the protagonist’s suicide was a rational choice. Despite the many outlast against the Netflix series, The American Psychiatric Association
According to American Psychiatric Association (2018), suicide rates are on a concerning upward trend. It is also the third leading cause of death for individuals between 10 and 14 years of age and the second leading cause for individuals between 15 and 34. Gould (2001) argues that the media brings forth the opportunity for indirect transmission of suicide contagion or imitation. Similarly, Pirkis and Blood (2010) found some evidence to suggest that film and television portrayals of suicide and actual suicide behavior exist. By analyzing 27 studies (three descriptive studies, 20 ecological studies, and four individual-level studies), the results suggest a negative influence of these media. In other words, popular media that glorifies or romanticize the sensitive portrayal of suicide is doing more harm than good to vulnerable viewers. Furthermore, Pirkis and Blood (2010) highlights that entertainment shows depiction of suicide could potentially lead to imitation acts as explained in the social learning theory. The portrayal of suicide often sends a message to teens indirectly encouraging them that suicide is a “course of action”. However, Mueller (2017) argues that the relationship between the media and suicide rates is potentially complex. The media portrayal of suicide draws heavily on society and its preexisting beliefs and knowledge. Moreover, …show more content…
The series is centered on the life of a high school girl, Hannah Baker who later commits suicide. The scene in which Hannah dies is especially graphic and very detailed. Like many others, Jacobson (2017) argues that the series romanticizes suicide which places vulnerable viewers at risk of suicide contagion. In the Washington Post, Butler’s 2017 article on 13a Reasons Why warns that suicide prevention experts advise against describing suicide in such graphic detail due to the risk of suicide contagion or “copycat” suicides. Similarly, Fox News 2017 article highlights that “Families blame 13 Reason Why for Two teens suicide”. The article states that the Netflix series acted as a trigger for the two teens who watched the show and died four days apart. One of the teen’s ugly states that the two-minute scene where Hannah Baker slits her wrist in a bathtub is too graphic. In addition, Jacobson (2017) argues that 13 Reasons Why focuses on blaming others, downplays the effects of mental illnesses specifically depression at work. Jacobson adds that the series suggests that the protagonist’s suicide was a rational choice. Despite the many outlast against the Netflix series, The American Psychiatric Association