You hear on the radio that Smash, the most popular rock music performer in Germany, has killed himself. He left a note ("Goodbye, cruel world"). You predict that _______.
A) Germans will riot in the streets
B) Germans will pass laws against rock music
C) the sale of rock music will decline markedly in Germany
D) there will be a rash of suicides or suicidal gestures among German rock music fans

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The suicide of a beloved musician can lead to a phenomenon known as the "Werther effect," where there is a spike in suicides or suicidal gestures among fans. Therefore, it is likely that there may be a rash of suicides or suicidal gestures among German rock music fans following Smash's suicide, making option D the best choice. Options A, B, and C are unlikely, as there is no evidence that Germans would riot, pass laws against rock music, or stop buying it altogether due to one musician's suicide.

You Hear on the Radio That Smash, the Most Popular