Evaluating The Roles of social media in the Promulgation of Depression and Suicide Behaviour in Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the roles of social media in the promulgation of depression and suicide behaviours in Nigeria. Social media usage is  increasingly fetching recognizable attention as a common means of communication among people in society. In Nigeria, studies have shown that social media platforms such as Facebook is used to display suicidal behaviours.
Method: To determine all these, a quantitative research method was deployed using a questionnaire. A total of 113 questionnaire responses were  recorded and analyzed.
Results: The study found that social media influences an increase in depression and suicide cases. The study also found that social media users get  influenced, depressive, and suicidal because posts, videos, messages, live video streams online, and effective social media campaigns on ethical use will surely curtail depression and suicide.
Conclusion: Social media usage is associated with the promulgation of depression and suicide behaviours and this should be a serious public health  concern in order to foster the development of measures to mitigate the prevalence of depression and suicide in the society.