Facebook 'friends' mock 'suicide' of woman who posted goodbye message

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/facebook/8241015/Facebook-friends-mock-suicide-of-woman-who-posted-goodbye-message.html

by hachiya • 16 years ago

3 5 16 years ago

telegraph.co.uk

hachiya• 16 years ago

"Some users of the site even taunted the 42-year-old over her final status update instead of trying to save her, calling her a “liar” and saying the fatal overdose was 'her choice'."

"Yesterday her mother, Jennifer Langridge, said she was shocked and upset that nobody did anything for her daughter despite being aware of her threats."

"Mental health charities said the case was a sad reflection on today’s society where friends made online are not necessarily friends in real life."

The ability to be more connected seems to have commoditized friendships.

The article admits of claims by some friends who lived far away trying to obtain help, and a claim that this woman had basically "cried wolf" before.

But the trend does seem to be a cheapening of what friendship means.

pbhjpbhj• 16 years ago

I don't think the article does demonstrate a change in "friendships", people have always had acquaintances that they wouldn't really go out of their way to help.

One also has the bystander effect. I've been giving first-aid to someone bleeding heavily with severe lacerations and shouted to people for help ("call an ambulance", "help") and they just kept walking. Some stopped but I was literally amazed that someone calling across the street to call an ambulance could be ignored like that.

In short it's sad in many ways but if she'd pinned a note to the door of a place where she goes with friends I don't _expect_ the response to have been different.

cubicle67• 16 years ago

Facebook 'friends' reminds me of a derogatory phrase we have here "You don't have any mates, you just know people".

lylejohnson• 16 years ago

Why is "suicide" in quotes in this article's title? This woman did actually kill herself, right?

getonit• 16 years ago

To reflect the fact that people didn't believe her, I'd guess.

Facebook 'friends' mock 'suicide' of woman who posted goodbye message

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