Two days ago, we reported an unfortunate incident where a 16-year-old girl who committed suicide after 69% of netizens voted for her to end her life via an Instagram poll. Following that, many people blamed netizens for causing her death because they voted negatively on her IG poll.
Source: news sarawak tribune
However, some netizens pointed out that the voters didn’t know what the D or L on her IG poll stood for. That seems like a good argument!
One netizen noted that D and L could have meant many things, for instance, DOTA or LOL. The netizen further said that by calling the voters murderers, we are just “waving away (from) the real issue (depression)”.
Source: twitter
Another netizen reiterated that the voters couldn’t have possibly known that they were voting for her to die as they could have just picked their favourite alphabet.
Source: twitter
Many others echoed this sentiment, and in the light of recent comments by politicians and even a warning from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), perhaps it is time to have a more nuanced discussion on the case, as well as on mental health in general. Given what we now know about the poll itself, perhaps the 69% who voted D should be allowed to make their case.
One netizen even shared that the voters could have thought that D/L stood for some boys’ initials.
Source: twitter
Well, our Malaysian netizens did make some good points on the issue. Regardless of why the 69% voted the way they did, we definitely need to start taking care of each other better as fellow human beings. What’s your take on this matter? Let us know in the comments below!
On that note, if you’re going through a rough patch and need some professional help, you can always ring up Befrienders KL at 603-79568145, or you can head over to their website to learn more about their services. Remember, you are never alone!
Also read: 16yo Girl in Kuching Committed Suicide After 69% of People Voted For Her To Die in IG Poll
