Googling Suicide: Evaluation of Websites According to the Content Associated With Suicide

Abstract

The Internet is increasingly being used to acquire information about personal experiences and health, but the credibility of this information is debatable. It has been reported that methods of suicide and access to suicidal means are explicitly discussed in some of the websites, with users being encouraged to attempt suicidal acts in some cases. Access to web content with pro-suicidal features is monitored in many countries. In Turkey, the frequency of people visiting these websites is unknown. Moreover, a program has not been established that targets online users. This study aims to provide information about the information that a person may come across after searching online for suicide and suicide methods in Turkish language. After searching for particular suicidal phrases (i.e., "suicide methods," "painless suicide," "guaranteed suicide," "killing yourself" and "how can I die") in the Google search engine, three psychiatrists evaluated the results independently, according to the content. 42 of the 100 websites (42%) were found to have properties that are pro-suicidal, whereas 13 of them (13%) were found to have content that may be considered protective against suicidal thoughts and actions. Among the websites that were reported to be protective, none had any kind of supervision or guidance from mental health professionals. Suicidal content, as well as the possibility of content generated on the Internet, should be taken into account while planning suicide prevention programs. Further studies are needed to determine which risk factors and protective features of the Internet affect suicidal behavior among individuals.