Facebook used as an 'anti-social' network

Derogatory, cruel and unpleasant comments directed at a teenage girl on Facebook played a part in her decision to commit suicide.

That’s the verdict of Coroner John Needham who yesterday concluded an inquest into the death of 19-year-old Caitlin Alker.

She hung herself at her flat in Douglas after a night out with friends in August last year.

The court heard how on one occasion in the weeks leading up to her death she had received 270 comments over a 48 hour period.

Mr Needham said whilst Caitlin didn’t commit suicide solely as a consequence of the comments it had ‘added to the mix’ of negative factors in her life at the time.

He added that it was clear that some members of society were happy to use Facebook as an anti-social network.