Article Analysis Essay: Teen Suicide and the TV Show 13 Reasons Why

This essay provides an analysis of an article published in The New York Times that discusses the potential impact of the Netflix series '13 Reasons Why' on teen suicide rates. The essay explores the arguments presented by the author, who suggests a correlation between the show's debut and an increase in suicide rates among teenagers, particularly boys. The author of the essay presents their perspective, disagreeing with the claim that the show solely contributes to increased suicidal tendencies. They support their argument by referencing research that suggests the series may also have a positive impact, such as decreasing self-harm tendencies. The essay further explores the broader context of mental health issues among teenagers, including peer pressure, and the importance of critical viewing habits, especially for young viewers. The student emphasizes the need for empathy and support for those struggling with mental health challenges, drawing personal insights from the debate.

Running head: ARTICLE ANALYSIS
Article Analysis
Student’s name
University
Author’s note

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ARTICLE ANALYSIS
In a recent article published in The New York Times, author Benedict Carrey notes that
right after the debut of 13 Reasons Why on Netflix, suicide rate among American teenagers have
exponentially increased. The teen drama web television series, based on the novel by Jay Asher,
revolves around the story of Clay Jensen, a seventeen-year old high school student, and his
friend Hannah Baker, a seventeen-year old girl who commits suicide after being subject to severe
bullying, sexual harassment and lack of support from her friends and family, as she becomes
vulnerable being subject to a malicious gossip (IMDb, 2017).
Carrey argues on the basis of several studies on self-harm and teen psychology, the show
essentially glamourizes suicide, which might have negatively affected some teenagers. Figures
show that since the release of the show, suicide rate among boys aged 10 to 17 has spiked
significantly. On the other hand, girls aged 10 to 17, which is a demographic expected to relate
more with the protagonist, did not show such increase (Carrey, 2019).
Although the article cites several scholarly researches that claim this show might fuel the
suicidal tendencies among teenagers. However, there are other researches, such as the recent
study on young adults’ mental health carried out by the University of Pennsylvania, which
indicates that the show may also have a positive impact on young adults (Carrey, 2019).
In my opinion, the latter research resonates more with me than the claims of Carrey’s
concern. I oppose to his claim that 13 Reasons Why only contributes to the increase of suicidal
tendencies among teenagers. It is true that the show may incite such tendencies, since many of
the teenagers would relate with the gossip culture, sexual harassments and lack of support from
peers and family as portrayed in the series. However, it is objectionable that it glamourizes
suicide. According to the findings of the research conducted by Arendt et al. (2019), young adult
viewers who watched the entire second season have reported a decrease in their tendencies of

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ARTICLE ANALYSIS
self-harm and suicide. Therefore, it can be argued that as the series progresses, it portrays self-
harm and suicide such a light that has effectively conveyed the cautionary message against such
destructive tendencies.
Suicides and self-harm have continued to be a serious problem among teenagers for a
long time. The increase of mental stress due to expectations, self-doubt, peer pressure,
depression, anxiety and several other mental health issues are increasing with the advent of
complex social and cultural dynamics of the contemporary society. And it is established by many
scholarly researches that people who suffer from such mental health issues are more likely to
indulge in self-harm or attempt suicide (Kroning & Kroning, 2016). Therefore, any creative
piece of work that deals with issues of mental health and self-harm should adopt more caution in
their presentation and treatment to prevent any adverse effect on the viewers.
Moreover, I personally have received an important lesson from this debate. It is very
much important to maintain a discretionary attitude while choosing what to watch. For children
who are younger than us, parental supervision is a must in this regard. However, for more
matured individuals, such as teenagers, it is essential to interpret the contents with adequate
caution, and always remember to discern fiction from reality. I have also learnt that mental
health issues are always dealt with caution and empathy, and for anyone who approaches me
with an expectation of help, I should always keep an open mind and provide support, so that no
such incidents occur again.

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ARTICLE ANALYSIS
References
Arendt, F., Scherr, S., Pasek, J., Jamieson, P. E., & Romer, D. (2019). Investigating harmful and
helpful effects of watching season 2 of 13 Reasons Why: Results of a two-wave US panel
survey. Social Science & Medicine, 232, 489-498.
Carrey, B. (2019). In Month After ‘13 Reasons Why’ Debut on Netflix, Study Finds Teen
Suicide Grew. The New York Times. Viewed on 11 April 2020
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/29/health/13-reasons-why-teen-suicide.html
IMDb. (2017) 13 Reasons Why. Viewed on 11 April 2020
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1837492/
Kroning, M., & Kroning, K. (2016). Teen depression and suicide: a silent crisis. Journal of
Christian nursing, 33(2), 78-86.