An article in 2012 written by Luxton et al. discussed how the rise of social media has a significant impact on the prevalence of suicide. Social media has several benefits for people of all ages, however due to social media being so open to the public, research shows that individuals who are contemplating suicide may actually be seeking support for committing suicide through other people who are experiencing similar feelings. Additionally, “cyberbullying” is now commin in social media in which people, typically youth, bully other individuals on the internet, sometimes without even knowing who they are. This has also become an issue in regards to suicide, as there are chat rooms that also offer support for others seeking to kill themselves, known by some researchers as “cyberbullicide.” Due to minimal restrictions on social media, parents, teachers, mental health professionals, and other adults should be cognizant of this information, and monitor youth’s social media so that future suicides can be prevented.
If you or anyone you know has thoughts of hurting or killing yourself/themselves, there are many resources available to assist in the process of support and problem-solving for you and/or your loved one, including professional counseling. Call (215) 487-1330 or email us at Greenridge@intercommunityaction.org for more information about our counseling services, which include one-on-one therapy with a trained clinician.
Author: Kelsey Dailey, M.S.
