Literature Review/Research Report

Anna Gonzalez
RWS 1302
March 26, 2017

Abstract
 Internet and social media can influence suicide and suicide related behavior among

teenagers as rising evidence suggests. Imperative questions regarding this issue, correspond to

the establishment of a clear relationship among the two that can be identified and changed for

that matter. To address these questions, an overview of internet and social media impact upon

suicide, both positive and negative, is posed for the purpose of identifying the possible

correlation between the two. In addition, the information discussed will be used to address the

efforts needed to deliberately prevent and impede the continuance of the rise in suicide rates

among teenagers.

Teenage Suicide and the Internet: A Literature Review

third leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10 and 24 (Suicide Prevention, 2015).

It is a self-action affliction that takes the lives of many. Its causes are thought to be derived from

medical illnesses such as depression and bipolar disorder or from other contributing factors like

substance or drug abuse. However, with the rise in technological advances and the increased

accessibility of the internet and social media, it is a possibility that these may be a causative

factor as well. Hence, the literature review will help analyze the various sources that influence

this claim. To recognize the relationship between the two and address this public health problem.

Over the years, the internet has become a prominent part of ones life. It has managed to

influence ones life completely, embedding itself into every aspect of it. Inevitably creating a

dependency upon it that was not previously present. Thus, with the vast amount of unfiltered

content and the ease of communication with one another, the internet may be an underlying cause

of teenage suicide. Through this research report, there are four important questions that need to

be taken into consideration:

1. How has the participation on social media and access to the Internet affected suicide

rates among teenagers?

Nevertheless, the Internet and suicide are both complex and controversial issues that require

intense analyze and research, and it is through the findings that a correlation is to be determined

in order for action to take place.

How has the participation on social media and access to the internet affected suicide rates

among teenagers?
 Statistical information and research studies done, convey the impact social media and the

internet accessibility has created on teenage suicide. Over time, there has been an increase in

dependency on social media and the internet among society that was not there previously. Thus,

this raises uncertainty as to whether it helps or provokes suicide or suicide related behavior

among teenagers.

A small, non-representative sample of 15 UTEP students resulted in a finding that

indicated that people believe that social media and the Internet actually prevent suicide or suicide

related behavior. The results were as follows: 2 students believed it was neutral, meaning that

social media and the Internet does not affect suicide, 8 believed that it prevented suicide, and 5

students thought that social media and the Internet provoked suicide. The majority believed that

the relationship between the Internet/ social media and teenage suicide was a positive one as the

information is thought to be preventive of suicidal behavior.

33%

53%

Provoke Prevent Neutral

Contrary to the survey, information obtained from website search studies give us a

different understanding of the vast content available at ease that might provoke suicide. One

study was conducted by Biddle analyzed 12 suicide-associated terms in hopes of obtaining the

results of a typical search when a person is looking to obtain information concerning suicide

methods. They analyzed the top 10 sites first shown each term searched, leading to the analysis

of 240 different sites and 480 web hits. The results indicated that half of the websites were

prosuicide which indeed gave methods to commit suicide, within these were also chat rooms

specifically for that. According to the author, this research shows it is very easy to obtain detailed

technical information about methods of suicide, not just from the suicide sites that have caused

recent concerns but also from information sites (Biddle, 2008). A journal article from POLS is

another piece of evidence that reflects whether the Internet indeed is an influential factor that

may lead teenagers to self-harm or suicidal behavior. This article, depicted an electronic

literature research done through the content rating of various articles giving information about
teenage suicide from various databases. The authors explained that it is most commonly used for

constructive reasons such as seeking support and coping strategies, but may exert a negative

influence, normalizing self-harm and potentially discouraging disclosure or professional help-

seeking (Daine, 2013). Nevertheless, both studies proved that it is relatively easy to access

information concerning suicide methods (prosuicide) aside from preventive service websites

(antisuicide).

Cyberbullying is also a result of social media and Internet access that inhibits suicide or

suicidal behavior. Evens so, a new study revealed the shocking results that bullying as well as

spending extensive amounts in the Internet may lead to suicide. They found that a pathological

level of internet use could indicate higher levels of depression, and the likelihood of completing

suicides, though in some cases the internet could help teens feel more accepted (Mohney, 2016).

Cyberbullying may occur on any social media account or even in a chat room available online.

Chat rooms vary in regards to their content. Some are beneficial in the way a person is able to

share their feelings and find relief. However, others do the complete opposite by providing

explicit methods and instructions that encourage suicidal behavior. These may sometimes lead to

cybersuicides (Becker, 2005), a complex issue that occurs more often than people think.

Contrary to previous information, CNNs news article brought light on teen depression

and its association with social media in a positive way. The article expresses the testimony of a

12-year old boy named Matthew. His story focuses on the depression he was undergoing and the

way in which coped with it. He manipulated social media to give him strength rather than the

negativity usually portrayed. The author expresses that in the past several years, there has been

many heartbreaking stories of teenage suicides and their association with interactions on social

media. However, it would not be fair to classify all social media as negative. That is because
research supports that social media can help friendships: 52% of teens report a positive impact,

as opposed to only 4% saying it was a negative (Ring, 2015). Nevertheless, this gives a

motivational story that gives a positive reinforcement to the manipulation of social media for the

beneficiary of possibly reducing suicide or suicide related behavior among teenagers.

What can change teenage suicide rates?

Expert advice, reflect the capability of changing teenage suicide rates. First and foremost,

the creation of the internet took place in the year 1991, when a computer programmer in

Switzerland named Tim Berners-Lee introduced the World Wide Web: an Internet that was not

simply a way to send files from one place to another but was itself a web of information that

anyone on the Internet could retrieve (History.com, 2010). Recently, suicide rates have doubled

according to a federal report in 2012 discussed in detail in the YouTube video created by The

Doctors. Subsequently, suicide is considered to be the third leading cause of death among 10 to

24 year olds (Suicide Prevention, 2015). Thus, there is a crucial need for change.

In a YouTube video created by The Doctors, experts on the matter give light on the

alarming news that teenage suicide rates have doubled. The Doctors is an Emmy award-winning

daytime talk show hosted by ER physician Dr. Travis Stork, plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Ordon

(The Doctors, 2016), where they discuss the latest health news. In thus video, they have a special

guest, psychologist Dr. Strohman. She gives her input on the issue through her testimony and

point of view regarding the subject. One of the most important highlights, is that she explains

that one of the main links to the rise in suicidal rates is in fact the increase in technology among

youth. Children are growing up surrounded by technology and with easy access to the

tremendous information the internet offers. Therefore, the video advises the audience, especially
parents to control the Internet intake and use among their young ones as a form of preventing

suicidal behavior.

Teenage suicide rates can change starting with the acknowledgement that it is a public

health concern that needs to be taken care of. Take for instance, the Durango Herald who

published an article to raise awareness regarding the increase in teenage suicide rates. They

emphasize that is a concern sweeping over the nation. The Durango Herald provides a unique

perspective as they state that suicide is an economic devastation. That it is costing the nation

close to 45 billion annually (Staff, 2017). This article promotes the idea of repurposing that

money to hire mental health professionals that will aid in identifying and prevent suicide. In

addition, the authors also encourage the community members to take part. Advising teachers and

parents to learn about the warning signs displayed among suicidal individuals in hopes to ease

identification and provide the needed support.

How can society learn more about preventing suicide rates?

Preventive information gives light to finding ways to educate the public regarding

suicide. Before an enormous action is taken place, there needs to be an importance and emphasis

in first establishing knowledge among individuals in the society regarding suicide and its

prevention. First of all, according to the American Psychological Association, teenage suicide is

indeed preventable. The APA is one of the various websites created for the purpose of informing

the general public about the ways they may help or provide support to make a difference.

Preventive informational websites vary however their aim is to reduce suicide rates

among the population. Their efforts have focused on school education programs, crisis center

hotlines, screening programs that seek to identify at-risk adolescents, media guidelines and
efforts to limit firearm access (Teen Suicide Is Preventable, n.d.). Society can use these websites

to help educate themselves and their family members. It is also important to know what to do

when a family member, friend, coworker, etc. is displaying suicidal signs. Evidence shows that

providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and

following up with loved ones are just some of the actions that can be taken to help others (.

A way of reducing suicide and informing the public may not necessarily be limited to

adults. Young ones should have the opportunity about learning about suicidal prevention ways.

The best way to convey the information among youth would clearly be through the school

educational system. Programs with that mindset and goals have already been established. For

instance, Stop a Suicide Today! is a school-based suicide prevention program that has

experienced success with a documented reduction in self-reported suicide attempts (Teen Suicide

Is Preventable, n.d.). The program was developed by a psychiatrist Douglas Jacobs, MD, with

the purpose of educating people on how to recognize the warning signs of suicide in family

members or friends. These types of programs encourage people and gives them the power and

capability to make an impact in peoples lives.

How can the public prevent teenage suicide rates from rising?
Expert advice is given to the public in hopes to prevent teenage suicide rates from rising.

After the government and the community both take part in educating and creating awareness of

the problem, it is the peoples choice to take action in hopes of solving the matter. Small actions

can make a huge difference. Parents are the most influential in their childs life. When

approached by their young one, it is advised that parents should offer a message of support and

not condemn or belittle, a teen's concerns (Mohney, 2016). That is why it is important to listen to

other without judgment as individual are likely to feel les depressed and overwhelmed but rather
hopeful. Hence, communication is an important aspect in preventing suicide. Research shows

that people who are having thought of suicide feel relief when someone asks for them in a caring

way (Participate, n.d.). Parents are not the only ones to take action. It is vital that everyone takes

part in what could be saving a life.

action to prevent suicide rates from rising. Once a person knows that the individual might be

experiencing depression or suicide like symptoms. It is best to offer immediate counseling and

support services. It is important for the public to intervene in their life and do what is best for the

individual. Nevertheless, they emphasize that the goal is to help other find hope and support

(Participate, n.d.) in their time of need.

the rise. Various sources indicate that the Internet, with its extensive content, influences suicide

or suicide related behavior especially among teenagers. The public opinion on the other hand, as

seen with the survey conducted, believe otherwise. Partly influencing this decision is the lack of

knowledgeability on the subject. That is why it is important to acknowledge this public health

concern and the need to create awareness among society in hopes of decreasing suicidal rates.

Nevertheless, it is clear that anyone can make a difference through help or support that could

possibly save someones live.

References

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Suicide. Reclaiming Children And Youth: The Journal Of Strength-Based Interventions,
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the Internet on Self-Harm and Suicide in Young People.
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