Catharsis can be described as the process of viewing others release negative emotions which in turn can cause those watching to release negative emotions themselves if they have any. The Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” is a good example of a media source that can provide a cathartic experience. The show not only serves as a teen drama series but also as a means to bring awareness to bullying and the reality of suicide among teens and young adults. The series details what led to Hannah Baker, a high schooler in the show, to take her own life while the other teens who she left addressed tapes to must face how they were involved in her death. As the show targets teen and young adult audiences, it is no surprise that the show had a significant impact on those audiences as the series deals with common issues faced by those age groups. According to a viewing study, “71% of teens and young adults found the show relatable, and nearly three-quarters of teen and young adult viewers said the show made them feel more comfortable processing tough topics”. The study also reported that more people began to reach out to those they had bullied in the past to apologize as well as the desire to be more considerate of how they treat people in the future. The show features some very emotionally evocative scenes that depict Hannah in a lot of emotional distress which made some viewers feel very upset, particularly if they found her situation and feelings to be relatable, and for many viewers, it was cathartic to see how Hannah handled her emotions. While some reported that the show made them feel better after watching or felt that it was an eye-opening experience, the show did not have the same impact on everyone. A child and adolescent journal reported that the show “…was associated with a 28.9% increase in suicide rates among U.S. youth ages 10–17 in the month (April 2017) following the show’s release, after accounting for ongoing trends in suicide rates…”. This would be one of the many reasons why the show would begin to include outreach resources and warnings at the beginning of every episode in season two. This is an unfortunate example of the differential susceptibility to media effects model, which states that “…media effects are not homogenous…” and that “…media content will directly influence one’s response to media, which will subsequently influence the breadth and depth of experienced media effects” (Fikkers, Poitrowksi. Media violence and Aggression, pg. 217). Some viewer’s reactions to the content they were exposed to were so intense that instead of the intended effect of suicide awareness and prevention, the show actually led to an increase in the rate of suicides among teens and young adults. While this type of content has the potential for bringing awareness to social issues, it is important to consider the potential media effects the show will have on prospective audiences, whether intentional or not.