Digital Promotion of Suicide: A Platform-Level Ethical Analysis. Issue 2 (3rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cohen-Almagor, Raphael; Lehman-Wilzig, Sam
• Is Part Of: Journal of media ethics. Volume 37:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 127
• Publication Date: 2022-04-03
• DOI: 10.1080/23736992.2022.2057994
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0890-0523

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article utilizes Aristotelian and Kantian philosophies to probe the social responsibilities of internet intermediaries that in one way or another assist and promote suicide. Striking a balance between freedom of expression and social responsibility, it is argued that several actors should be involved in restricting or eliminating live-streaming suicide, sites that encourage and facilitate suicide, and insult forums that drive people, especially adolescents, to take their own lives. The remediating actors are: commercial social media/website owners through their moderators; voluntary, non-profit, NGO "public defenders"; internet platform providers; regulatory agencies based on legislative authority, and advertisers. Practical remedies are suggested for each of these actors, noting as well important exceptions and caveats regarding the respective solutions.