justin.tv in the news again, for the wrong reasons

[chrishansenhome]

You may remember that I blogged about justin.tv when it was relatively new. I have stopped watching as it's descended into something about as chaotic as Grand Central Station in rush hour. However, celloboi tipped me off to this story about a teenager committing suicide on the web. Abraham Biggs Jr. took pills laid down on his bed, and died, all in front of his webcam. I was startled to read in the BBC story that it was on justin.tv. Very sad.

Comments

[runecircle.livejournal.com]

:(

[tim1965.livejournal.com]

Images from the Webcast are also in the U.S. papers and on various Web sites. The backlash is also beginning today: A number of newspapers this morning are carrying reports from the Biggs' family, which is distraught over the callousness of people on the Web.

I am very, very aware of the tragic nature of this event. I am also aware that it was just a matter of time before it happened. Young people have been doing drugs on Webcasts, having sex on Webcasts, discussing faith on Webcasts, and more. Now this.

The problem is that, as we all know, the more press or attention a suicide gets the more likely there will be more of them. I fear a spate of Webcast suicides in the coming weeks (especially as this is the holiday season, and a difficult time for many people).