Teen dies as a result of "harmful online content"

[persimmontea]

Coroner Rules British Teen Molly Russell Died by Suicide After Suffering from 'Effects of Online Content'

'Molly Rose Russell died from an act of self-harm while suffering from depression and the negative effects of online content,' coroner Andrew Walker of the Northern District of Greater London said at the conclusion of an inquest into the late teenager's death, the New York Times reported

people.com

In my honest opinion, the coroner who declared this is a dipshit. It's unprofessional and not their place to speak on *why* someone decides to kill themselves, only to review the facts and establish a clear cause of death. Harmful online content is a circumstance surrounding a suicide, and can be used as a FORM of self harm in of itself.

I see too much of this kind of thing relating to teen suicides and its absolutely awful that people rush to blame social media first, instead of wondering what kind of environment they provide for their family members. As usual, people only want to remedy immedate threats instead of actually improving other people's quality of life. I definitely think companies need to review the sort of content they push to certain audiences, however suicide prevention isn't solely resting on their shoulders. Obviously the discussion about social medias responsibility over which sort of content it hosts can get much much longer but I'll keep it brief for now.

What are your guy's thoughts??

 

[Mofreeko]

Well that settles it folks, shut the internet down. I'm tired of the internet being the scapegoat of neglectful parenting.

 

[Zegers]

I think it influences, if you look at the instagram feed you will see how influencers and people with fine lives show up there, it can affect when you dont have a life or its awful, and the platform (Meta) knows it. They want you to feel low.

 

[Pluto]

Multiple factors contribute to an outcome like a teen suicide, including socioeconomics, parenting, schooling, community, culture and social factors.

A good defense lawyer will focus on everything except his/her client's contribution, but there is no need for us to be social media apologists here. Social media can be extremely harmful for teenagers, particularly girls whose bullying is more likely to take the form of relentless gossip, defamation or harassment.

 

[Hope:-)]

Perhaps I am wrong but my understanding was that she was being horrifically bullied. However it's true that people don't always know the reason why. People may come up with reasons why I've done it but I'd imagine they're not all correct.

Edited to add: Seems she was not being bullied. Don't know where I got that from. Sorry.

 

[LittleJem]

I dont think it was the parents but she was depressed. Like people tell me not to spend all day on this forum but its because Im depressed and I cant think about anything else. Im pretty sure it was the same for Molly - confirmation bias not causative.

 

[makethepainstop]

Online anything cannot kill, only human or natural effects can. The content online cannot jump off the screen and hurt you, without your cooperation. Love and a big hug to everyone here!

 

[Rational man]

Very disturbing story, covered by mainstream news. Of course, I suspect the authorities will target the usual sources within social media. otherwise, the greater picture is global. Targeting particular websites is just a piss in the ocean.

 

[Soulless Angel]

Social media doesn't cause death nor suicide, I believe it can influence someone's mind onto a path, but there is no blame in suicide bar the professionals or parents who may have let someone down.
Depression itself I believe is our brains not wired correctly, causing an imbalance and our lives to be effected internally resulting in behaviours standard society deem not suitable or positive,
Its a tragic loss at such a young age, but professionals need to seek further then just blaming a surface and obvious and easy scapegoat

 

[AliceTheGoon]

Do you have to take an AE before consuming online content

 

[Hollowillow]

Coroner Rules British Teen Molly Russell Died by Suicide After Suffering from 'Effects of Online Content'

'Molly Rose Russell died from an act of self-harm while suffering from depression and the negative effects of online content,' coroner Andrew Walker of the Northern District of Greater London said at the conclusion of an inquest into the late teenager's death, the New York Times reported

people.com

In my honest opinion, the coroner who declared this is a dipshit. It's unprofessional and not their place to speak on *why* someone decides to kill themselves, only to review the facts and establish a clear cause of death. Harmful online content is a circumstance surrounding a suicide, and can be used as a FORM of self harm in of itself.

I see too much of this kind of thing relating to teen suicides and its absolutely awful that people rush to blame social media first, instead of wondering what kind of environment they provide for their family members. As usual, people only want to remedy immedate threats instead of actually improving other people's quality of life. I definitely think companies need to review the sort of content they push to certain audiences, however suicide prevention isn't solely resting on their shoulders. Obviously the discussion about social medias responsibility over which sort of content it hosts can get much much longer but I'll keep it brief for now.

What are your guy's thoughts??

They use her death to justify online censorship, when censorship of her worries, sadness and frustrations is probably what broke her.

Happy kids don't seek & like suicide content. Thousands of times.

But wouldn't it be nice if a gif could kill? I guess animated ones might for people with seizures. But blaming content for her choice is wrong.

If I kill myself it will be my choice. I don't go out having fun because I'm safer here!