Does social media use confer suicide risk? A systematic review of the evidence

Abstract

Social media use has increased substantially over the past decade, as have suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). This simultaneous rise has led to growing concerns that social media use confers suicide risk. To assess the validity of such claims, conducting an updated systematic review was essential. The aim of this review was to identify associations between aspects of social media use and STBs, with a focus on potential mechanisms underlying these relationships. An electronic keyword-based literature search was conducted in July 2020 using three databases, and 46 studies were included; PRISMA guidelines were followed in conducting this review. Frequency of social media and smartphone use tended to be associated with STBs. Sexting and suicide-related social media use were also positively associated with STBs. Findings were mixed regarding social media addiction and STBs, but strong associations emerged between smartphone addiction and STBs. More longitudinal research is needed to assess causality and to identify potential mechanisms underlying associations between patterns of digital use and STBs. A discussion of these findings, along with calls to action for research, is included to inspire future directions that will move this area of research forward in the coming decade.