Doesn't putting things on the news put ideas into people heads?

Question

I just watched the lunch time news and it said that more and more teenagers are looking up methods of suicide on the internet and there are websites explaining exactly how to do it. Now, i have no intentions of commiting suicide but out of boredness i checked the websites out anyway.

What worries me is that if i were suicidal, having a hint from the news might have been enough for me to check it out, and then push me over the edge.

Isnt this the wrong message for teenagers?

Answer 1

I don't think the news puts ideas in one's head, I believe it crystallizes ideas that were already there, and the commoner the event, the more likely it will be considered acceptable to that person.  There are plenty of troubled people out there in the world, and it might be better if the media sponsored some kind of solutions program.  They could report an event and inform the public where help could be found to prevent a repetition of that kind of thing.

Answer 2

The only type of people likely to be influenced by these stories are the ones with mental problems!

Answer 3

yes i agree

Answer 4

The TV news in general has a lot to answer for, as do some of the program makers.

Answer 5

It is the right of every person to end their life.

Answer 6

of course it is it just says "look these people can get away with it so can you"

Answer 7

I understand where you are coming from, but if we didn't have the news, we wouldn't know what was happening and could re-act to it or act on it!!

It's a terrible thing that there are websites out there giving this type of advice, but surely it is better for parents to be warned about this and to look out for signs if their children are looking at them.

An interesting question.

Answer 8

Yes, it does. I recently heard an interview with the guy who runs the "suicide studies" area at a university (I think it's Loughborough, but don't quote me) and he was saying that in one country there was a trend of people killing themselves on the railway line, so a media blackout was agreed. In the month that none of the suicides were publicised, there was a 75% drop in suicides!

So yes. However (and here I'm going to sound like a hypocrite) I would be just as concerned if I felt that we were not getting a true depiction of the news.

So you have to weigh up whether you want to avoid people "getting ideas" or avoid everyone else getting the truth...

Answer 9

It kinda is but also it makes people aware of what is happening so people may be able to prvent it when there see signs of it happening. But there has been a big increase  my friend commited suicide only 7 weeks ago it is a sad way to end your life

Answer 10

Yes it is. Its the same when they show all the gang related crimes. That can look attractive to bored kids. the press would be better off not giving them the publicity.

Answer 11

haven't you heard of a lifestyle choice?

Answer 12

I completely agree with you, but the constitution protects freedom of the press. For generations the media has been blamed for stuff like this. The roadrunner and the coyote have been blamed for sensationalizing violence in children. The alternative is censorship. Without a free exchange of information the public can be brainwashed even more that it is now.  I know parents who have been very protective of what their children watch.  It usually creates an insatiable curiosity and has the reverse effect when the children reach the rebellious teenage years.  If a suicidal teenager needs ideas on how to do it, they can get it from friends at school, or watch the news. I feel that those web sites give parents, teachers, and friends (when they are watching) an Idea what to watch for.  Please don't condone censorship, that is what gives dictatorships and tyrants power.

Answer 13

There are plenty of 'copycats' out there.  Yes, I think the media exploits far too much.  We need more good news, maybe some of that will catch on...but probably not.

Answer 14

You have a very valid point. However, the media does have a right to report what it sees. But they don't need to emphasize some things so much, like suicide as you said. I also hated it when they put the Virginia Tech murderer's video on the TV and played it over and over. That's exactly what he would have wanted and the next psycho might be saying, "Hey, I'll mail a video to the TV stations and kill people, then they'll put my angry speech on TV." That could inspire more murders.

Answer 15

I have always thought that