More Than a Boy Named #Sue

The first time I saw #sue, I assumed it would be a picture of a girl hashtagging her name. Then images related to depression, cutting, and suicide filled my screen. #sue (short for suicide) is one of the "secret" hashtags teens are using to share images related to self-harm on platforms such as Instagram or Twitter. These platforms actively crack down on hashtags such as #suicide or #cutting, so teens are becoming more creative in their ways to circumvent the censors.

In 2012, Instagram was forced to ban the pro-eating disorder hashtag, #thinspo, after many cited it as glorifying self-harm and anorexia. In the interest of maintaining a "positive and healthy community," Instagram included in its policies a guideline that bans images of self-harm and makes the content with these hashtags unsearchable. Their official policy reads:

“While Instagram is a place where people can share their lives with others through photographs and videos, any account found encouraging or urging users to embrace anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders; or to cut, harm themselves, or commit suicide will result in a disabled account without warning. We believe that communication regarding these behaviors in order to create awareness, come together for support and to facilitate recovery is important, but that Instagram is not the place for active promotion or glorification of self-harm.”

So why does #sue fly?

When searching #sue on Instagram, a content advisory warning pops up stating "Please be advised: These images may contain graphic content. For more information and support with suicide or self-harm please tao on learn more." Then users are presented with the options Learn More, Show Posts, or Cancel.

Clearly Instagram is aware of the content being posted, content which may or may not violate the previously stated policy. Are they obligated to ban these posts or deactivate the accounts the images are posted from?

In my opinion, removing the content won't remove the problem. Teens are facing continually growing amounts of pressure and are being diagnosed with depression in record numbers. Removing an outlet where they can vent, express themselves, and hopefully feel some sort of catharsis probably won't help the issue. Instead we need to work to break down the stigma surrounding depression and other mental illnesses so these teens can get the help they need without facing judgement.

Let's use #sue to start a conversation, not to start more censorship.