"Why going viral can be a type of trauma": From true crime victims to online harassment

On todays episode, we take on a bit of a deeper topic than the usual pop culture and marketing. We talk about the potential trauma of going viral online. From the privacy that can be lost when you are the victim of a horrendous crime to the online harassment that people face when people see your videos. It seems no one is safe. 

I still believe the internet is 90% good and can change your life for the better. But I also think it is my responsibility to warn others of the down side. 

Some cases that seemed to have trickled into exploitation, when it comes to the harm of true crime, are the "Idaho Four" and Gabby Petito.  At what point does overconsumption of a case no longer help in raising awareness but rather becomes re-traumatizating for anyone close to the victims? 

Another extension of the harm of the internet was the New Jersey teen who committed suicide after being bullied online for a video of her getting hurt by fellow classmates. Suicides in U.S. for people aged 13-24 increased by 7% in 2021 (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). How much of the internet plays a role in that? 

Thank you so much for listening! 

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