Internet Suicide and the Ramifications

Normally, I am not in a position to talk about things that are beyond gaming in this blog. But after seeing this particular situation happen and witness the media (including the likes of CNET, CNN, G4TV, etc) get into this, I cannot help but feel that I have to be responsible enough to seriously note about what transpired. Being that the net has become a superhuman entity all by itself, this very much involves us one way or another, take it for what it's worth.

For those who are not in-the-know (and since these media outlets can explain this better than I ever would):

Facelessness of the Internet

From CNN

Justin.tv Suicide w/ LA Times' David Sarno

One way or another, this event will carry serious ramifications not only to the definition of online responsibility as a whole and for sites like Justin.tv, YouTube, and other streaming websites, but more importantly, to the net users as well.

I'm not going to judge the victim in any way, manner, or form (it's more of me offering my condolences to his families). But there are many ways to look at this. Sure, it's cool to see a guy like Jack Thompson get what he deserves for trying to "fight the good fight" against gaming censorship, but this is a whole different banana.

We can discuss the ways that this could have been prevented (by means both IRL and OL if necessary) or even who should be to blame for this tragedy. But it all comes down to two things: Freedom and Self-Responsibility.

Here's but one of many angles to see this: We have the majesty of streaming, free video-posting sites, torrents, and whatever you can think of in this age of technological convenience. Now, we can use of these to entertain, provide information, and all other uses one can do for the benefit of others. Now, there is a thin line between good, clean fun (as far as the interwebs go), and extreme tendencies. No matter who you are or where you are from, there are ways to deal with situations like these. And let us not limit ourselves here. There are ways to settle things with your own problems or with people you seriously do not like, but I believe that we all have the sense to understand our own bounds and handle things in a better light. In fact, if anything, we should take the initiative to settle these things and minimize other related negatives that could come from a situation. It's just unfortunate that either net problems can easily be brought IRL, or vice versa.

For some ways to help with problems that could arise to or from irresponsible net use, think of alternative means like talking to your friends about your problems, or settle issues as soon as possible as to not let it grow. You know better on how to deal with your problems.

At this day and age, we have everything we could ever ask for in the tip of our fingers. Today is not the greatest time to sully it.