Taking Suicide Info Offline Could Increase Suicides
from the thinking-it-through dept
It seems to happen often enough that knee-jerk reactions that involving banning things tends to have the opposite effect of what those calling for the ban expect. The latest suggested example of this, is that some are predicting that a ban in posting suicide information online in Australia could actually increase the number of suicides -- since those contemplating suicide would have no place to turn, would feel more isolated, and might end up doing something more rash. While people get upset about suicide info online, someone who is seriously contemplating suicide isn't going to not do it just because he or she can't find information online about how to do it. If anything, some point out that in reading information about suicide, it gives people a chance to reflect and reconsider their decision.
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What about group suicides?
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I'm not for banning anything either, but you gotta admit the moron/troll factor is high on the net (I mean look at dorpus, who, while he isn't a moron, IS a troll)...
The fear being that someone contemplating suicide WILL turn to an online forum and instead of getting the help they need, they'll get a chorus of "its your life...end it if you want" and "you're right, you're a LOSER, END IT NOW" and will end up doing it.
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dorpus side
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Terrible idea.
Peace.
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