Social Media, Self-Harm, and Suicide

Profiles of fear of missing out and their social media use among young adults: A six-month longitudinal study

This longitudinal study used a person-centered approach to differentiate fear of missing out (FoMO) among subgroups of individuals using latent profile analysis (LPA). The subgroups were identified according to trait-FoMO (a specific predisposition) and state-FoMO (a specific cognition in the online context) items. Data were collected from 1125 participants (70.04 % female, age range 17-26 years, Mage = 20.52 years). The LPA showed five distinct profiles: highest FoMO, high trait-FoMO high state-FoMO, high trait-FoMO low state-FoMO, low trait-FoMO high state-FoMO, and low trait-FoMO low state-FoMO. We further explored how these profiles relate to social media use. The results revealed significant differences between profiles in terms of social media engagement, social media self-control failure, and problematic social media use and could be used to predict social media use behaviors of 437 participants (77.35 % female, age range 18-27 years, Mage = 20.60 years) six months later. Thus, the combination of high trait-FoMO and high state-FoMO may mean more frequent social media engagement and could be an important risk factor for social media self-control failure and problematic social media use. Additionally, state-FoMO should be considered in prevention and intervention strategies aimed at addressing young adults' problematic social media use.

Digital self-harm and suicidality among adolescents

BACKGROUND

Research on digital self-harm - the anonymous online posting, sending, or otherwise sharing of hurtful content about oneself - is still in its infancy. Yet unexplored is whether digital self-harm is related to suicidal ideation or suicide attempts.

METHODS

In the current study, survey data were collected in 2019 from a national sample of 4972 American middle and high school students (M_age  = 14.5; 50% female). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess whether lifetime engagement in two different indicators of digital self-harm was associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts within the past year.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis showed that engagement in digital self-harm was associated with a five- to sevenfold increase in the likelihood of reporting suicidal thoughts and a nine- to 15-fold increase in the likelihood of a suicide attempt.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest a connection between digital self-harm and suicidality. As such, health professionals must screen for digital self-harm to address underlying mental health problems among youth that may occur prior to or alongside suicidality, and parents/caregivers must convey to children that they are available to dialog, support, and assist with the root issues that may eventually manifest as digital self-harm.

Motivations and perceived harms and benefits of online communication about self-harm: An interview study with young people

Background

Self-harm behaviour is prevalent among young people and online communication about self-harm is frequent. These online communications are associated with potential harms and potential benefits. To date, few studies have explored the motivations and mechanisms involved in youth online communication about self-harm.

Objective

This study aimed to explore why young people communicate online about self-harm and the perceived benefits and harms of these communications.

Methods

Twenty young people aged between 18 and 25 years completed an online interview. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes.

Results

Four main themes are reported: (1) crossing from offline to online-the double-edged affordances of social media: young people engaged in online communication about self-harm because they were unable or unwilling to speak about their experiences in offline contexts. Online spaces afforded anonymity and peer support, which were associated with benefits and harms; (2) user-generated is not quite the same as user-resonated: perceptions were influenced by whether the young person created or viewed or responded to the content. Written and visual content had pros and cons; (3) it's not just you, it's mostly me-individual characteristics influence perceptions: age and mental state influenced perceptions and behavior; and (4) beyond individuals-parameters are protective: leadership and platform policies and procedures aided safety.

Conclusions

Online communication about self-harm is neither entirely helpful nor harmful. Perceptions are influenced by individual, social, and systematic factors. Evidence-based guidelines are needed to increase young people's online self-harm literacy and help them build effective communication skills to buffer psychological and potentially physical harm.