The presence of graphic suicide videos on platforms like the Internet Archive creates a profound ethical and legal dilemma.

In the future, online platforms and archives like the IA will need to prioritize:

On the other hand, the inclusion of disturbing or graphic content, such as the Ronnie McNutt video, raises concerns about the potential harm it may cause to individuals who view it. This has led to calls for stricter moderation and content warnings on online platforms.

Arguments for preservation often clash with arguments for digital dignity. Proponents of free and open archiving might argue that the internet is a public space; what happens on it becomes part of the historical record. Opponents, including many mental health advocates, argue that graphic content depicting self-harm causes demonstrable harm and has no legitimate place in any archive. The lack of a clear, consistent, and universally enforced policy across platforms from TikTok to the Internet Archive only adds to the chaos and pain.