Mid-Term case study

Tet on reporting suicide. This advice came from 50 international studies on suicide and contagion. The framework of these tips enables reflection on the propriety of Split Image. The Dart Center prohibits the use of photos that show the suicide’s location, grieving family and friends, and memorials of the deceased. Many of Split Image’s most poignant moments came from its use of photos. Split Image included photos Madison posted of herself celebrating life with family and friends. A photo of the square in front of the parking garage where Madison jumped from was also included. Most of the photos Fagan included are the ones that comprise Madison’s memorial page. Fagan’s premise focused on the pervasiveness of misleading social media, which made using Madison’s photos essential. Fagan is successful in delivering her point, but in the meantime she advances photos that glorify suicide and give credence to morbid curiosity. Language is meaningful when discussing suicide. The Dart Center stresses the detriments of depicting suicide as occurring without warning. Split Image describes Madison’s life up until her last few months as seemingly …show more content…
Split Image wasn’t written until a year after Madison’s suicide, when People and other media sources picked up Madison’s story. The elongated coverage contributes to what Dr. Malfa calls institutionalizing. Dr. Malfa says memorials and continual remembrance can be helpful, but only up to a certain point. What is detrimental is when vigils and grieving memorials continue over time. The elongated coverage facilitates the impression of suicide as heroic or romantic. Malfa says that when institutionalizing occurs, the focus is not on healing, but on commemorating individuals and prolonging the grieving process. Reporters need to frame the issue as a health problem and provide opportunities to educate the public and provide