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Why Thirteen Reasons Why may elicit suicidal ideation in some viewers, but help others
1Department of Sociology and Comparative Human Development, University of Chicago, 1126 E. 59th St., Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
Abstract:
When the popular Netflix series 13 Reasons Why (13RW) debuted, scholars were quick to raise concerns that the show may encourage suicide as an option, particularly for vulnerable audience members; nonetheless, others pushed back, noting that the evidence used to draw a link between exposure to media and actual suicide risk suffers from methodological weaknesses and that censoring mental health topics may do more harm than good. The problem highlighted by the debate is that researchers generally lack the kinds of studies that would truly help us understand if a show like 13RW is problematic, and if it is, which specific storylines carry risk. Indeed, this general lack of the empirical evidence is precisely why the study by Arendt and his colleagues (2019) in this issue makes such an important contribution to the literature. With this commentary, I (1) review what we know and what we don't about the media, 13RW, and suicide, (2) discuss Arendt et al.'s unique insights, and (3) outline an agenda for future research that will allow us to better answer how, when, and for whom exposure to media stories like 13RW harms - or helps - youth.
Insights
The study examines the impact of media like 13 Reasons Why (13RW) on suicide risk, highlighting the need for better research to understand potential harms and benefits for youth. Future studies should clarify how, when, and for whom such content affects young audiences.
Area of Science:
- Media studies
- Public health
- Psychology
Background:
- Concerns exist that the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why (13RW) may encourage suicide, particularly among vulnerable youth.
- Counterarguments suggest methodological weaknesses in studies linking media exposure to suicide risk and potential harm from censoring mental health topics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing knowledge on media, 13RW, and suicide.
- To discuss novel insights from Arendt et al. (2019) regarding media's influence on suicide.
- To propose future research directions for understanding the complex relationship between media narratives and youth mental health.
Main Methods:
- Commentary synthesizing existing literature.
- Analysis of the study by Arendt et al. (2019).
- Development of a research agenda for media effects on suicide.
Main Results:
- A significant gap exists in empirical evidence to definitively link media portrayals to suicide risk.
- Arendt et al.'s study offers unique insights into this under-researched area.
- Further research is crucial to understand the nuanced effects of media on youth suicide ideation and behavior.
Conclusions:
- More rigorous studies are needed to ascertain the specific risks and benefits of media content like 13RW for young audiences.
- Understanding the "how, when, and for whom" of media's influence is critical for public health.
- A clear research agenda can guide future investigations into media's role in youth mental health and suicide prevention.
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