13 Reasons Why as a vehicle for public understandings of suicide

Popular media as a double-edged sword: An entertainment narrative analysis of the controversial Netflix series 13 Reasons Why

“…For the first time, our findings provide empirical evidence, along with contextual information and detailed examples, to support the arguments made by scholars such as Mueller [ 36 ] and Krebs [ 35 ] that a popular entertainment program like the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why serves as a double-edged sword. This study is also timely, with the COVID-19 pandemic magnifying many risk factors (e.g., economic distress, social isolation, lack of mental health resources), many have deep concerns about suicide rates and the physical, emotional, financial, and societal toll that will take on our communities around the globe [ 74 – 76 ].…”

“…These efforts were well-intended and captured in our research findings, although the response in reality from many adult viewers of the show were not necessarily positive, especially regarding how the school counselor, Mr. Porter, was portrayed as the last reason why Hannah couldn’t find any alternative but to end her own life. Criticism of Mr. Porter’s character was linked to the lack of mental health resources established by Hannah’s school as she sought help before her suicide [ 35 , 73 ]. This muting effect or dismissive behavior highlighted the need for better trained professionals and counseling services in public schools where students spend most of their days [ 35 , 73 ].…”

“…Criticism of Mr. Porter’s character was linked to the lack of mental health resources established by Hannah’s school as she sought help before her suicide [ 35 , 73 ]. This muting effect or dismissive behavior highlighted the need for better trained professionals and counseling services in public schools where students spend most of their days [ 35 , 73 ].…”

“…This scene was eventually removed [34]. More than three years into the initial controversy and at least two dozen scholarly publications later, other than blatant blames and conceptual arguments [35][36][37], not a single study has analyzed exactly how teen suicide was portrayed in 13 Reasons Why.…”

The media marketing of the VOD platforms in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic – an exploratory study

“…The social impact of the content is also examined. Krebs (2019) states that the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why serves as educational contribution to suicide prevention that allows audiences to learn about suicide in a constructive manner, while Barker et al (2019) claim that exposure to tobacco and alcohol imagery on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video is a risk factor for smoking and alcohol use among young people.…”