The Role of the Internet
As I write this article the TV is on in the background, an internet browser window is open, my phone is next to me and a newspaper is in sight. We cannot escape the media and we shouldn’t. It is important to know what is going on in the world, however, every single word, report and advert fills our brains with messages and constructs our perception of the world.
The internet is a key facilitator in this. It is an amazing invention, but also a dangerous one, where there is less content control than in TV and newspapers. This allows opinions to often override facts. Facebook, Twitter, chat rooms and blogs give a platform for speech, which can have both positive and negative effects.
When I was diagnosed with an eating disorder back in 2008 I can’t describe the panic and fear I had around food and related discussion. I thankfully received professional treatment and attended support groups, but I purposely avoided chatrooms. While some may find them supportive we must remember, people cannot diagnose nor give professional advice and there are many pro-sites.
I recently did some research online and within minutes I found Twitter accounts, blogs and chat rooms designed to share tips and encourage negative behaviours. My personal ‘trigger’ warning was immediately flagged. Feeling part of an understood community, particularly when dealing with a secretive illness, is wonderful but we must take care of our personal safety and we should primarily always talk to our doctor or a trusted person.
Insensitive Reporting of Suicide
Studies show that extensive reporting on celebrity suicides has been followed by an increase in suicide attempts. The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MIHCC) has identified suicide rates as a significant concern, so it is imperative that the media are vigilant in their reporting.
One of the biggest cases was the reporting on the suicide of Ivy Li, a famous singer in Taiwan. Media coverage included details of the methods used and as a result suicide rates rose for the next four weeks.
Our much loved Robin Williams’ suicide also gave cause for concern. U.S. Police gave unnecessary detail and British journalists even breached what is known as the ‘Editors Code’, which states that “when reporting suicide, care should be taken to avoid excessive detail about the method used.” I followed the reports closely and felt affected even though I was not experiencing suicidal thoughts at the time.
I was also disappointed by a Vanity Fair article written back in 2008. They covered the tragedy of a famous artistic couple who took their own lives within a week of each other. The content was interesting and well written; however, the insensitive headline "The Golden Suicides" was unnecessary and glorifying. They made the mistake of associating suicide with creativity and brilliance, and suicide should not be reported in a positive light.
