Youth say entertainment media has both positive and negative effects on their mental health and thoughts of suicide

A recent study by a MyVoice and the University of Michigan's Department of Psychiatry research team led by Jane Harness, D.O., highlights the complex impact of entertainment media on youth mental health. Presented at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s Annual Meeting in Seattle, the research—titled “Entertainment Media’s Influence on Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Youth Perspectives”—reveals that young people perceive both positive and negative effects from consuming shows and movies

The study emphasizes the dual role of entertainment media. While certain content can exacerbate feelings of distress or hopelessness, inclusive and positive representation may serve as a protective factor against suicidal thoughts. These findings can inform the entertainment industry, clinicians, families and youth on the ways entertainment media may impact how youth act and feel.  Read the research abstract here. 

This work was presented in a session after attendees visited the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop). The session was titled: “Popular to Who and Popular by Who? Exploring the Intersection of Mental Health and Culture at Seattle’s MoPop Museum Visit.”  

Harness was joined in the discussion by other national youth and adolescent health experts.

“Attendees found the MyVoice data to be compelling,” Harness said. “A common thread was the value of talking with patients about the movies and shows that they are watching.  

“Discussions about invisibility versus hypervisibility of people of various racial backgrounds in media were very important and mirrored our findings that inclusive and positive representation in entertainment media could prevent suicide among youth,” she added.

In addition to Harness, the study's authors were Laila M. Mascarena, B.A., a former U-M MICHR summer intern working with MyVoice; MyVoice member Clara A. Wolff; Clinical Associate Professor Victor Hong, M.D., of the Department of Psychiatry at U-M; and MDisability Director Tammy Chang, M.D., M.P.H., M.S..