There's an urgent issue. With the rapid escalation of technology, so too has the proliferation of disturbing content across the digital landscape. This goes beyond the realm of the undesirable, it treads on the territory of the highly destructive: websites, videos and more featuring graphic images, scenes of tortures, killings, and obscene gore that are accessible to the casual internet user. This issue is critical because this type of content doesn't just offend the senses, it has the potential to cause severe mental health issues including desensitization to violence and trauma, and can even, tragically, inspire individuals to recreate the horrifying scenes they see online. 

We're in the midst of a global mental health crisis, with 264 million people of all ages suffering from depression, according to the World Health Organization. This issue exacerbates the crisis by poisoning the mind with violent content. It's a potent catalyst for trauma, which nearly 8% of Americans suffer from at least once in their lives according to the National Center for PTSD. Moreover, studies have shown a correlation between exposure to violent media and lack of empathy.

It's time we act and stand against this readily accessible violent content. Let's demand the end of such disturbing and harmful content online. If we can reverse this trend, the rates of mental health issues may decrease, acts of violence may drop, and our communal empathy may rise. Together we can make a significant change, preventing further harm to individuals and society. Please, sign this petition to deny the propagation of violence and gore on digital media.