Social media as an instrument in precipitating self-harm and suicide among adolescents: an article review

Abstract

The emergence of social media is one of the more transformational innovations of the 21st century, changing how we interact with each other, with young people being the highest users. Increasing use of social media amongst the adolescent age group has inadvertently being linked to self-harm and suicidal behaviours among that age group. This is also reflected by the simultaneous increase in suicide rates and social media use by adolescents. Studies have shown that adolescents who self-harm have an active social media presence. This article review aims to demonstrate the relationship between social media use and self-harm and suicidality amongst adolescents. A literature search was conducted between October 2019 to November 2019,from database sources; Google, Google scholar and PubMed, analysing articles published in English in the past 15 years on the use and effects of social media on adolescents, self-harm and suicide amongst adolescents. This article analyses the concept of social media, its psychosocial effects on adolescents, and the interplay that leads to development of self-harm and eventual suicide. It concludes that there is a need for cautious use and the need for parents and professionals to understanding the role of social media concerning the emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people.