Written by: Anna Dravland & Samantha Centerbar

Here in my Marquette, Michigan community, a 17 year old young man was “sextorted” over social media on March 25th, 2022. Jordan Demay, met a “pretty girl” online. They quickly developed a rapport and exchanged sexual images. 

Once they had exchanged the photos, the conversation quickly turned to blackmail. The person threatened to send the photos to Jordan’s family and friends if he didn’t pay. Jordan paid.  They asked for more money. He said he didn’t have any more money to pay. Than, Jordan said ”You win. I’m going to kill myself.” They encouraged him to. And he did. He killed himself.  

With the power of a few clicks, Jordan’s life had been changed so irreversibly, that he thought he had to end his own life. Police reported that the entire interaction took place in less than 6 hours. Six hours.  From “hello” to “you win”. That’s how quickly things can get out of control.

His clickbait was an attractive, young stranger.

What happened to Jordan is a tragedy. And it is a tragedy that needs to be told and remembered. His brave parents have requested the details be released to raise awareness and protect our children. To make sure they know that their mistake isn’t worth ending their life. That you’re just a few reckless clicks away from your life being turned upside down. That we all need to #clickresponsibly.

If you’d like to support Jordans classmates as they navigate this tragedy, you can purchase our special edition “Kindness is my Clickbait. #clickresponsbily” tee or hoodie. 100% of the profits, through May 31st, will be donated for their annual senior overnight event. Learn more and purchase here:

https://www.spreadgoodnessday.com/shop-2

Around the world, so many of us feel frustrated with the media on some level. Whether it’s social media, mainstream media, fake news, or otherwise. 

I’ve been guilty of it. I’ve caught myself reading headline after headline of absurdity. Badness. Politics. Corrupt people. Evil people. You start commenting. “Why do you share this crap?” “Shame on you, news station!” “You need to stop reporting this garbage!”

But as the media station would point

out-you're the one who clicked, 

commented and engaged. 

You did exactly what they wanted you to do. 

You gave them your click and

in essence asked for more... 

Every comment that you write boosts their post in the algorithms. Even when you’re angry and hate it, and telling them to stop.  

Take your power back. We have control over the media. They report on what gets clicks. They report on what you read.  At the end of the day, they tell the stories that are going to bring them money and attention. That makes us all responsible for the media. We choose what we click on and to who we give that precious algorithm to.