Whilst this study is new, I think few people will be surprised by its findings.
Something relevant to this is the werther effect/copycat suicide theory. The theory suggests an increase in suicides can occur after knowledge of an original suicide spreads, either locally or through mass media.
There's even evidence that the werther effect may contribute to an increase in car crashes and plane crashes.
As a result of the werther effect, some countries have a code of ethics relating to how suicides are reported, so that copycat attempts are reduced.
Why can't a similar code of ethics apply to mass killings?
I don't propose that news media should stop reporting on mass-shootings completely. But, for example, maybe the amount of coverage per day is limited or perhaps specific details about the suspect/perpetrator remain censored, so that they aren't "glorified"?
I think it would go a long way. And it's simple enough to make rules. No airing the perps name or stated motives, spend a lot of time on the victims and note the heroism of those who protected others. Basically change the narrative from "crazy guy with axe to grind gets attention by shooting people " to "victims heroically protect others from deadly shooting ". Make the story about the resistance to the shooting, not the shooting.
Whilst this study is new, I think few people will be surprised by its findings.
Something relevant to this is the werther effect/copycat suicide theory. The theory suggests an increase in suicides can occur after knowledge of an original suicide spreads, either locally or through mass media.
There's even evidence that the werther effect may contribute to an increase in car crashes and plane crashes.
As a result of the werther effect, some countries have a code of ethics relating to how suicides are reported, so that copycat attempts are reduced.
Why can't a similar code of ethics apply to mass killings?
I don't propose that news media should stop reporting on mass-shootings completely. But, for example, maybe the amount of coverage per day is limited or perhaps specific details about the suspect/perpetrator remain censored, so that they aren't "glorified"?
I think it would go a long way. And it's simple enough to make rules. No airing the perps name or stated motives, spend a lot of time on the victims and note the heroism of those who protected others. Basically change the narrative from "crazy guy with axe to grind gets attention by shooting people " to "victims heroically protect others from deadly shooting ". Make the story about the resistance to the shooting, not the shooting.