But the thing is, the website itself is just a meta-physical thing. What people refer to, when talking about 'the website', is the moderation, the security precautions, the way that it's run - although something specifically designed to talk about self-harm and suicide is always potentially dangerous.
I've learned things on RYL, some of which I hadn't even thought of, let alone tried and failed at. Most of those were edited out, or it was in the period where RYL was a lot more open.
I think the biggest danger is normalisation. To make suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, seem normal - or even worse, to admire them. That comes down to the atmosphere of the site, which comes down to the way that it's run.
I remember somebody talking, I think, about RYL? a few months ago, and while I don't necessarily agree with the whole argument, parts of it definitely ring true; it was about the normalisation of self-harm. Think how many posts you read, that say things like "It's okay to feel like this, it's not bad" - the thing is, it is bad. It is unhealthy to have such negative thoughts, and self-harm is a maladaptive coping mechanism. Yes, RYL is a place of support - and I certainly don't think that people should be told "No, it's wrong, do something about it" - but that support does come with a burden.
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