For many adults, social media came long after they grew up. They spent their adolescent years without the pressure of an online presence and the constant influx of influence social media brings. Of course, some would argue they had a better youth than kids do today. Now, teens face constant exposure to information and discourse online. Jennie DeSerio’s 16-year-old son, Mason Edens, died by suicide in 2022. His mother blames TikTok’s algorithm for encouraging her son to harm himself.
In an essay penned for Newsweek, DeSerio explained Mason went through his first breakup. Not long after, she noticed a shift in his mental health. He took to spending hours a day on his phone, many of those scrolling TikTok. DeSerio claims his For You Page shared depressing content that ultimately contributed to his death.
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Mason died after an argument.
DeSerio wrote that she took her son’s phone from him after weeks of him not getting enough sleep. The pair argued, and Mason had what his mother called “a nervous breakdown.” She had never seen him act that way, and when he left and went to his room, he took his own life in what she described as “the heat of the moment.”
After Mason's death, she began examining his TikTok usage.
DeSerio explained that Mason looked up “positive affirmations” on TikTok after the breakup. Somehow, his algorithm switched from mostly sports content to videos with sad music that appeared to promote self-harm. DeSerio believes the TikTok algorithm “capitalizes on user’s vulnerability.”
She thinks the algorithm magnifies feelings and emotions. “I firmly believe that my son would be alive today had the TikTok algorithm not shown him those videos,” she wrote in her essay.
DeSerio wants parents to stay vigilant with their children.
She urges all parents to have candid and even uncomfortable conversations with their children. DeSerio warned that some of the content on her son’s For You Page encouraged him not to trust his parents, friends, or support system.
“Talk to your children about the harm that social media platforms, such as TikTok, might cause and how to watch out for videos encouraging self-harm. If your child has already been shown these videos, report them on the relevant app and alert other parents in your community as well,” she wrote in her essay.
The mom encourages parents to get involved with their leaders.
DeSerio wrote that in July 2024, the US Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act, which would create automatic safety settings for minors. Now, it must pass in the House of Representatives to become law. DeSerio wants parents to stay in contact with their local legislature and lobby for change.
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Mason isn't the only victim.
DeSerio warned that her son was just one of many minors who’ve fallen victim to social media’s dangers. Of course, she hopes that parents will take her warning seriously.
“Understand that what happened to my family could happen to anyone – but we are not powerless to stop the potential harms inflicted by big tech companies. Parents, by taking power back into their own hands, can protect their children and ensure they thrive in a digital world designed to uplift them,” she wrote.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
