Social Media: A Brave New World

Abstract

Social media platforms have become vital conduits in the lives of young people today. The proliferation of social media platforms has created an unprecedented amount of access to various aspects of public and personal life. It has also brought the issue of suicide into the spotlight, with many recognizing the potential connection between social media use, self-harm, and suicidal ideation in youth. The two issues are connected in the sense that young people use social media to express themselves, to create relationships with friends, and to entertain themselves. Because of this, social media is a powerful tool for positive growth as well as potential harm. It is important for the clinician working with youth to understand the role social media plays in youth suicide and how one can help prevent further harm by risk reduction.