The "Werther Effect" refers to a phenomenon where media coverage of a suicide leads to an increase in suicide rates, particularly among vulnerable individuals. Named after the character Werther in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's novel "The Sorrows of Young Werther," this effect highlights how romanticized portrayals of suicide can influence behavior. Research has shown that when high-profile suicides are reported in the news or depicted in films, it can trigger similar actions in people who identify with the individuals involved. This underscores the importance of responsible media reporting on suicide to prevent potential imitative behaviors.