Social Media and Suicidal Behavior in Youth: Slippery Slope or Simply Overstressed?

Digital device use has become an integral part of modern society. Children and adolescents are particularly avid consumers of digital media, particularly social media applications. Young people have also demonstrated marked vulnerability to mental health issues, including suicide and suicide-related behaviors, with many questioning the role of social media as a possible contributor. This paper synthesizes and comments on the existing literature describing the relationship between social media and suicide risk in youth.

Numerous reviews have found contradictory associations between social media use and mental health-related outcomes, including suicide and suicide-related behaviors – some with positive associations and others without statistical significance.

Although there is sufficient evidence to suggest a relationship between social media use and suicide-related behaviors exists, the nature of the relationship remains unclear and likely varies across individuals. Further research is required to further characterize the existing associations, define personalized risk factors, and provide guidance for ongoing clinical care.