Üsküdar Üniversitesi Institute of Social Sciences and ÜSÇÖZÜM organized an event titled “Solution-Oriented Approach: Media, Women and Psychology Suicide News,” where the psychological underpinnings of suicide and the media's reflection of suicide news were discussed. In the program, moderated by ÜSÇÖZÜM Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aylin Tutgun Ünal, Üsküdar Üniversitesi Corporate Communications Director and PsikoHayat Magazine Editor-in-Chief Tahsin Aksu stated that the media failed in publishing suicide news and emphasized the need for new legislation regarding new media. The other speaker of the event, Psychiatrist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Önen Ünsalver, pointed out that suicide can be contagious through online shares.
“Media Fails in Suicide News Reporting”
Tahsin Aksu conveyed the following in his presentation titled “The Turkish Media's Test with Suicide”:
“Our media often fails the test with suicide. The way news is presented and the photos used fall outside certain criteria. However, it is necessary to be very careful when sharing suicide news. Globally, one person dies every 40 minutes. Therefore, when suicide is so frequent, it ceases to be newsworthy. What is important here is not how the suicide occurred, but that we should focus on the reasons for it. Turkish people are quite curious about the phenomenon of suicide and like to follow these attempts. Such news receives a lot of circulation. But these types of news provide no benefit; on the contrary, they are encouraging. Due to rating concerns, such news continues to be produced. In the 2000s, when I worked at Milliyet Newspaper, we made a policy decision not to publish such news.”
“No Details Should Be Given in Suicide News”
Aksu stated that, according to the decision taken by the Turkish Journalists' Association, only suicides of political or famous individuals that concern the public, and suicide cases with criminal significance, can be reported. He added: “Even in such exceptional cases, encouraging details regarding the method of suicide, suicide photos, and messages should not be published. These decisions are quite important, but unfortunately, we see that they are not implemented in the Turkish press. However, some suicide cases must be reported to inform the public. For example, a computer game can be behind a suicide. Such news must be reported to inform families and prevent recurrence. Mass suicides are also cases whose causes must be thoroughly investigated and the public informed.”
“A Law Regarding New Media Should Be Introduced”
Aksu stated that today's problem is postmodern suicides: “Today, suicide messages are announced on social media. This situation goes beyond traditional media and spreads uncontrollably on social media. An example of this was an ODTÜ graduate announcing their suicide on social media. This event happened in 2014, but the videos uploaded to YouTube are very recent and reach thousands of people every day. I believe that a law regarding new media should be introduced in this regard.” he said.
“Suicide Risk is Higher in Depression”
Speaking about the concept of suicide, Psychiatrist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Önen Ünsalver said: “Suicide is self-harm. A person with suicidal thoughts thinks about killing themselves and makes plans. The act of suicide often does not result in death. Suicide is a public health, a global health problem. A mind contemplating suicide is a mind that feels dark and hopeless. 90% of suicide causes stem from psychiatric illnesses. Openly discussing suicidal thoughts with a specialist is not dangerous. On the contrary, it needs to be talked about and overcome. Many diseases can lead to suicidal thoughts. The risk of suicide is much higher in depression compared to other diseases.” he stated.
“Suicide Can Be Contagious Through Online Shares”
Ünsalver emphasized that the post-suicide process is very difficult for the person's relatives and explained that the suicide rates among those left behind increase. Ünsalver stated: “Especially adolescents or young adults, when a relative commits suicide, they can also turn to suicide. Suicide can occur through imitation, influence, or depression. Suicide can also be contagious through online shares. After Goethe's book 'The Sorrows of Young Werther,' similar suicides occurred, influenced by the book. Certain professional groups can be affected by each other's suicides. For example, after the news of a physician who committed suicide due to burnout, there was an increase in physician suicides.” he said.
“Those Contemplating Suicide Read Such News”
Ünsalver explained that the media influences suicides: “There are suicides that occur by being influenced by news. People with psychiatric illnesses may see this news in the media as a solution. According to Identification Theory, people with the same characteristics as the person who committed suicide consider committing suicide as a result of such news. The effect of news is said to last for a maximum of one week, but with the possibility of accessing news online, its effects can continue for a very long time. Before suicide, individuals read suicide news and research the methods of other suicides. Visual sharing in the media and reporting in multiple places can encourage suicide. The more drama and sensationalism there is, the more people identify with it.” he said.
“The Cause of Suicide Should Not Be Blamed on Institutions”
Ünsalver stated that people do not commit suicide for simple reasons and emphasized that there are personal reasons behind suicide incidents. Ünsalver said: “Suicide is not a problem of governments, televisions, economies, etc. No culprits should be created in the media to maintain the credibility of institutions and their ability to help these individuals. Arrows should not be pointed at specific individuals and institutions.” he said.
“We Should Use Media Constructively”
Ünsalver emphasized that films and songs can make suicide romantic and desirable, and stressed the need to use media constructively. Ünsalver concluded his speech by saying: “Regarding suicide, people can be dissuaded by strengthening social support networks. In the media, news can be presented with educational information in a simple and informative way, without mentioning the method or romanticizing suicide. The news can mention institutions that individuals contemplating suicide can turn to.”