Suicide-Related Internet Use Among Suicidal Young People in the UK: Characteristics of Users, Effects of Use, and Barriers to Offline Help-Seeking

Abstract

The study replicates earlier research using a UK sample to examine differences between suicidal people who go online for suicide-related reasons and suicidal people who do not, perceived effects of suicide-related Internet use, and perceived barriers to offline help-seeking. A total of 72 UK citizens (18-24 years old) who had contemplated killing themselves or deliberately harmed themselves with the intention of dying within the past 12 months participated in an anonymous online survey. Results indicate that suicidal young people who use the Internet for suicide-related purposes are a high-risk group characterized by higher levels of social anxiety. The main purposes of suicide-related Internet use were to connect with others and seek information. Both positive and negative effects were found.

Using the internet for suicide-related purposes: Contrasting findings from young people in the community and self-harm patients admitted to hospital

“…Existing user research is typically based on individuals responding to online surveys (e.g. [ 17 – 19 ])…”

Online help for people with suicidal thoughts provided by charities and healthcare organisations: a qualitative study of users’ perceptions

“…We employed robust qualitative methods to engage firsthand and in-depth with distressed/suicidal internet users in an area more often explored using survey methods (e.g. [17,18]). Participants were recruited from three differing sources, thus increasing diversity and the transferability of findings, and resulting in a substantial dataset of over 50 interviews.…”

Suicidal behaviours and moderator support in online health communities: protocol for a scoping review

“…For this reason, it is estimated that the number of people who are impacted by suicidal behaviours is far greater than the 800 000 recorded suicides 1. Advances in technology have impacted on suicidal behaviours, in that individuals with internet capability can access a range of support and content that can positively and negatively influence suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviours 2. For example, access to online support forums are likely to help keep individuals safe as they can connect to peer or professional support in times of need, conversely, individuals can also access content that may promote suicidal behaviours 3…”

“…Suicidal behaviours and suicide attempts are deliberate and consciously self-destructive where the intent is to kill oneself,5 and suicide is when intentional death occurs 1. Most individuals who experience suicidal ideation do not act on the thoughts or carry them through to their conclusion 2. Therefore, while suicidal ideation can place an individual at risk for engaging in suicidal behaviours, suicidal ideation in isolation is not necessarily a high-risk marker for a future suicide attempt.…”

“…It is acknowledged that not all individuals who seek in-person support receive it, for reasons such as not meeting set assessment criteria, a shortage of resources and wait list times. A lack of suitable support services, particularly for those in rural settings, combined with other barriers such as privacy concerns, time requirements, financial costs, distance and transport required to access support, are further reasons why individuals may not be willing or able to engage with in-person psychological support 2. For individuals unable or unwilling to engage with face-to-face support, online health communities offer an easily accessible alternative source of support 7 8…”