Finnish livestreamer dies after self-harming during broadcast

A self-destructive livestreamer from Kotka died on Tuesday after seriously harming himself during a live broadcast, Yle reports. Yle confirmed the death with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency and is not naming the streamer to protect his privacy.

Marena Kukkonen, head of the suicide prevention centre at Mieli, said audiences can encourage streamers to take greater risks. Viewers may reward the behaviour with attention and donations, she said.

Self-destructive livestreaming is a form of online broadcasting in which people may appear drunk, humiliate themselves or cause themselves harm. Earlier this month, a streamer fell from a balcony in Kirkkonummi during a broadcast.

Kukkonen urged viewers to report self-harming content to the social media platform and, when necessary, to the police. In the Kotka case, the emergency response centre received many calls from viewers.

She said suicide should be discussed carefully, warning that romanticising or dramatising it, or describing methods in detail, can affect people already at risk. Mieli’s crisis helpline handles about 100,000 calls a year, with around 20 calls a day involving suicidal behaviour, she said.

The death has also raised questions about the responsibility of social media platforms. In France, lawmakers addressed self-destructive livestreaming last year after popular creator Jean Pormanove, whose real name was Raphaël Graven, died during a live broadcast on Kick. Viewers had paid to watch him being assaulted, and authorities blocked users from accessing the platform.

Kukkonen said platforms have a significant responsibility for the commercial content they produce and allow, as they provide a channel for this activity.