Topic > Negative Effects of the Show 13 Reasons Why

In recent discussions, people are saying that the show "Thirteen Reasons Why" might have a negative effect on people instead of raising awareness about suicide. On the one hand, the show aims to raise awareness about mental health. On the other hand, people believe that the show could cause the deaths of more teenagers. I believe the show is not appropriate for teenagers and young adults due to the negative impact it has on them. Evidence provided by researchers shows that the show is not suitable for teenagers and young adults. The show “Thirteen Reasons Why” has positive effects but has more negative outcomes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay. A negative effect would be that more suicides have occurred since the show's release. The suicide rate has increased dramatically since the day it was published. Researcher Adolfo Aranjuez states, “In a recent study, researcher John W Ayers and colleagues found that the series elicited approximately 0.9 to 1.5 million additional suicide-related Internet searches during the first nineteen days of broadcast" (Par. 10). . Additionally, as more and more teenagers watch the show every day, this number may continue to increase. The show had only been on the air for nineteen days and the suicide rate was already high. Other researchers claim that 71% of young adults related to the film and felt better about talking to someone and getting help (13 Reasons Why They Might Actually Have Had a Positive Effect, para. 3). The researcher's thesis is true, but Aranjuez explains that millions of teenagers committed suicide after watching the show. I agree that teenagers should not watch this show because Aranjuez explained that suicide rates have increased because of this show. Since the show causes suicide rates, this negative outcome is serious and could cause danger to other teenagers and young adults. Additionally, suicide rates have increased because teenagers are becoming more aware of suicide. The article's authors, John Campo and Jeffrey Bridge, say research that web browsers are collecting data that people are searching for how to commit suicide after the movie's release. (Exploring Impact par. 4). As teens are becoming aware of suicide and its consequences, more and more teens are willing to try because they don't know any better. Younger kids usually try activities they see on television without thinking about the outcome. Families lose loved ones to suicide every day and the show doesn't help at all. This is a very bad outcome because teenagers try to commit suicide because they want someone to care about them. Another negative result of the show would be that the episodes provide teenagers with images of how to commit suicide. Extreme images give negative ideas to teenagers and young adults. In one scene of the show, the protagonist, Hannah Baker, commits suicide and details of how she did it are shown. Sansea Jacobson states, “We know from research that dramatic depictions of suicide on television and in movies can lead to increased rates of suicide and suicide attempts using the same methods seen on screen” (Par.2). Therefore, if teenagers watch the suicide scene, they are more inclined to commit suicide. Jacobson also suggests that explicit scenes in television shows can trigger depression (Par.5). Because the scenes are so explicit, teenagers suffer from depressionthey are more likely to relate to the scene and also have a nervous breakdown. So even though these scenes are supposed to make bullies feel bad, they are triggering teen depression. Not only suicide scenes could be triggered, but also rape scenes. Jacobson states, “There are prolonged scenes of rape (yes, more than one, and from multiple perspectives) that are frankly needlessly detailed and potentially traumatizing for those with a history of sexual assault” (Par.6). Since rape and suicide scenes take place in this show, teenagers are more likely to have a triggered response. Rape victims who have seen the show may be irritated by the scene and also become depressed again. Therefore, this is another reason why the show has a negative response to teenagers. The researchers also believe that the show provided no teaching on the topic of suicide. The show is also bad due to the absence of suicide warning signs given in the show. Bullying should be addressed in school and occasionally suicide. If there was more awareness in schools, suicide could be prevented. In one of the scenes, a teacher is supposed to talk about suicide but it goes off topic. The show should be about suicide and not go off topic. Researcher Carolyn Todd says, "...in the very first episode, the teacher says, 'Let's look at some warning signs of suicide.'..." But instead of looking at the warning signs, what Netflix has done is focus on [ Clay's ] face: the sound fades and he has a flashback. They could have spent 10 more seconds talking about the warning signs” (Par. 25.) The show could have spent more time explaining the warning signs of suicide, but instead chose to move forward with the drama of the show. Furthermore, the show is said to discourage teenagers from talking to anyone. Todd suggests that teenagers who find themselves in the situation like Hannah may be afraid to talk to an adult because they overlook everyone's cues (Par.28). Additionally, teens and young adults may be getting help but are scared because of the movie. The protagonist, Hannah, also tried to ask for help. Todd says, “Hannah attempted to talk to her school counselor, Mr. Porter, about being bullied and sexually assaulted; he even expressed suicidal thoughts. But Porter's response has worried experts, who fear it could dissuade young people from seeking help if they are watching and can relate to the content” (Par.29). Young adults are increasingly afraid to talk openly about their suicidal thoughts. This could be caused by the show because Hannah was pretty much stunned when she told the counselor about her feelings. Students should feel like they can talk to someone and the way the counselor spoke to her was not okay. He could have gotten her help and even expelled the bullies. Although there are more negative results than positive results, positive results are good. Others claim that the show has positive effects. Many people have taken steps to recover because of the show. I think people who watch this show would finally understand how sad it is to bully someone. Bullies may not commit the crime physically, but they do so mentally. This show could potentially influence others to start caring for each other. Despite the bad, the show does well. The show has caused many families to worry more and seek help for mental illnesses. Researcher Deborah Serani says, “Finally, 13 Reasons Why has made a splash.