Contagion movie predicted our present situation ten years back. We all know covid-19 is caused by a deadly contagious virus. Soderberg- the filmmaker found the behaviour of individuals,country and States quite fascinating.He said Human behaviour during the pandemic was quite irrational.
Behaviour contagion
Behavioral contagion- is a type of social behaviour where you try to copy other people’s behaviour. This includes imitating online behaviour of other people.
We all are well versed with the’ Role Model effect’. We try to inculcate habits and behaviour of the Role model in our day to day life.When the observer and the model share similar situation, age group, mood this effect becomes more pronounced.
Copy Cat Suicide
Our behaviour during the pandemic is deeply irrational and contagious very much like the VIRUS. The behaviour of Media, journalist and social network users after a very established Indian actor Sushant Singh Rajput committed suicide was illogical and unreasonable.It led to a phenomenon called Copycat suicide where a person thinks -if a celebrity can do it so can I. Suicide seems to be an easy solution.
Suicide contagion
Suicide contagion is a genuine phenomenon especially after the death of a celebrity.We have all seen this happen very recently after the death of Indian actor Sushant Singh Rajput.Irresponsible coverage by the media, full page stories attributing the suicide to illogical reasons, glamourizing and sensationalizing the act led to a spate of suicides.
The Werther Effect
The book describes the pain felt by ‘Werther’ who eventually kills himself. He was in love with Charlotte but she decided to marry Albert -Werther’s friend.There was an increase in the rate of suicide after publication of the book in 1774.
Relentless media coverage of suicide results in INCREASE in the phenomena.After Marilyn Monroe took her own life there was a rise in the risk of women in the age group of 30 to 40 attempting suicide. First second and third week after a celebrity suicide are the most risky.
After Marilyn Monroe death_increase in death caused due to suicide 12%
After Robin Williams death_increase in death caused due to suicide in US 9.85% according to centre of disease control and prevention US
The Papageno Effect
Papageno is a character in Mozart’s Opera The Magic Flute. Papageno tries to kill himself when he fails in love.He was saved by three child spirits who shower him with empathy and concern eventually saving Papageno.
PREVENTION of additional suicide after a celebrity suicide or someone known to us is a collective responsibility.
Irresponsible behaviour
1.Glamourizing suicide
2.Repeated coverage by media which goes on for days and months
3.Graphic images shared by social media users
4.Not publishing guidelines about prevention of suicide
5.Putting the blame of suicide on someone without any evidence
6.Not showing any concern for the family of the deceased whose loss is the greatest
7.Sharing precise details on the method of suicide
8.Sharing personal information about the victim in the press
SUICIDE IS NEVER THE SOLUTION
Responsible Behaviour
1.Coping strategies should be discussed in public forums
2.Mentioning and encouraging professional services dealing with mental illness
3.Publication of warning signs
4.Positive use of various social media sites in dealing with mental illness
5.Focusing on how to overcome mental illness rather than its negative consequences
6.Reducing the stigma around mental illness
7.Encouraging friends and family to reach out to mental health professionals
8.Giving others their due
9.Showing empathy
10.Being kind
Our Aim——Minimise Werther Effect
Maximize Papageno effect
By changing ourselves and our less than perfect behaviour we can help people come out of distress
