The Impact of social media on Suicide Risk: Exploring Psychological, Behavioral, and Social Determinants in Vulnerable Populations
Keywords:
Social media, suicide risk, cyberbullying, mental health, online communities, suicide prevention.Abstract
Background: Social media has emerged as a dominant platform for communication and expression, but its potential role in influencing suicidal behavior has raised concerns. Numerous studies have highlighted the impact of cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and social comparison on mental health, yet its direct correlation with suicide risk remains a critical area of investigation.
Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of social media use on suicide risk, focusing on factors such as frequency of usage, exposure to negative online interactions, and the role of supportive online communities.
Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at Rawalpindi Medical University Rawalpindi over a period from October 2023 to September 2024. The study involved 80 participants who were assessed for social media usage patterns, mental health status, and suicidal ideation. Data were collected using validated questionnaires and interviews, while statistical analyses determined correlations between social media use and suicide risk.
Results: The study revealed that excessive social media use, particularly over six hours daily, was significantly associated with higher levels of suicidal ideation (p < 0.01). Participants who experienced cyberbullying reported a threefold increase in suicide risk compared to those without such experiences. Conversely, individuals who engaged in supportive online communities exhibited reduced suicidal thoughts and improved coping mechanisms. Younger participants (18–30 years) were found to be more vulnerable to the negative impact of social media compared to older individuals.
Conclusion: Social media can both exacerbate and mitigate suicide risk depending on usage patterns and online interactions. While harmful content and cyberbullying increased vulnerability, supportive communities played a protective role. The findings underscore the need for public health interventions aimed at promoting positive online behaviors and mental health awareness among social media users.
