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The article discusses the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) depicted in the media and the role that the media plays in creating a social contagion related to NSSI. The prevalence of representations of NSSI in the media have increased since the early 1980's and the incidence of NSSI among adolescents has similarly increased over time. According to the authors studies have shown that the media can have an influence on behaviors such as aggression, suicidal behavior and eating disorders and that adolescents are particularly susceptible. The authors argue that NSSI has been increasingly depicted as a common, effective coping mechanism for dealing with life stressors and that rarely are the lasting consequences of such behavior examined.