Suicide-related Internet use: characteristics of users and perceived impacts of use

© 2016 Dr. Katherine MokDespite a large body of research examining the effects of the traditional media on suicide via suicide contagion, there are still many questions concerning the relationship between the Internet and suicide. The differences between the Internet and the traditional media raise issues that extend beyond passive exposure to stories of suicide to active engagement with suicide-related content. Existing discussions of this topic surround the dangers of the Internet in facilitating or encouraging suicide (pro-suicide) and the benefits of the Internet in preventing suicide (anti-suicide), such as through professional online support services. However, little is known about the actual impact that the Internet can have on users and the role of different types of suicide-related online content. This thesis sought to explore these issues through three major aims: 1. To examine the types of content available to individuals conducting online searches relating to suicide methods 2. To compare suicide-related and non-suicide-related Internet users on measures of depressive symptoms, social anxiety, perceived offline social support, risk for suicide and help-seeking for suicide 3. To examine the online experiences and behaviours of suicide-related Internet users and the perceived impact of their Internet use. This thesis found that information on suicide methods can be easily found on the Internet, but that it does not necessarily lead to an increased risk of suicidal behaviour. Suicide-related Internet use is complex and its impact cannot be strictly viewed in terms of a pro-suicide/anti-suicide lens. The Internet may pose a risk to some vulnerable individuals but may also provide helpful, valuable support to others. The Internet has great potential for preventing suicide and indeed, this work found that individuals did go online for help or to cope. More efforts towards suicide prevention are necessary, including increasing availability of online professional services, evaluating the efficacy of existing services, promoting positive help resources and utilising the power of the wider community via the Internet, such as through social media, to aid in suicide prevention