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.

Keywords:

• Internet
• online
• social anxiety
• suicide
• youth

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jo Bell

Jo Bell, Department of Psychological Health and Well-being, University of Hull, Hull, UK.

Katherine Mok

Katherine Mok, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia

Eric Gardiner

Eric Gardiner, Department of Psychological Health and Well-being, University of Hull, Hull, UK

Jane Pirkis

Jane Pirkis, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia