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Social Media and Its Effect On Suicide
Last year, friend and colleague Trey Pennington took his own life on the grounds of the church where he and his family attended for many years.
When the news spread, first on Mashable and then through the more traditional channels, people on Twitter and Facebook were astounded.
Though many didn’t know him in real life, they felt like they’d built a strong relationship with him on the social networks. Both his offline and online friends questioned whether or not they could have prevented it and lots of blog posts were written both about the loss and about using social media to detect life-threatening depression.
Early last winter I was in Orlando on a Saturday speaking at the Retail Packaging Association show. I received an email from a friend, a direct message on Twitter from another friend, and a voicemail from a third friend…they were all worried about a fourth friend who was tweeting and updating Facebook with some alarming things.
That friend did not take her life. I don’t know if it had anything to do with social media or if she got the help without her online friends, but a tragedy was avoided.
Social Media Effect On Suicide
Since the first documented Internet suicide pact in Japan 12 years ago, researchers have been trying to figure out what role the web plays in suicidal behavior.
On one hand, you have people genuinely concerned and taking action when someone makes an alarming or depressed comment on one of the social networks. On the other hand, you have cyberbullying that is creating a higher level of suicides in teenagers than before the web.
A new study suggests social media is only making it more difficult to find answers to those questions.
Just like everything else, social media has its pros and cons when it comes to whether or not someone will take their own life.
There are pro-suicide chat rooms and private Facebook groups and not-so-private Twitter lists. But there also are huge opportunities to use social media to identify people who are at risk.
The Consequences
The study for the National Center for Telehealth and Technology (a health organization that typically works with the military on brain injuries) was completed in response to the rising number of suicide deaths because of cyberbullying.
It found that, while it’s a difficult subject to study (“only” one million people worldwide commit suicide), there are several consequences when it comes to Internet use and increased suicide rates:
- Cyberbullying has been tied to increased suicide risks, particularly among teenagers (and you thought high school was bad)
- Social media helps form suicide pacts among complete strangers with only this one thing in common
- There is information on “how-to” methods for committing suicide
- Video sites, such as YouTube, are increasingly playing a role in providing pro-suicide and self-harm content
There Is Hope
But it’s not all bad. Like the example I used of my friend who was quickly reminded of all who love her through more traditional means and social media sites, it’s now easier to spot those who might be at risk in order to take action.
We’re much more attuned to cries for help and pleas of desperation on the social networks, which makes help come that much more quickly.
Facebook, Twitter, and even YouTube are being used to share information on how to spot people at risk, what to do about depression, and how to know when it’s time to bring in help.
Use social media for good. If you ever have a friend who demonstrates life-threatening depression (online or off), call your local authorities, alert the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and get them some help!
P.S. I know this isn’t a happy topic, but the study made me realize it’s an important issue to discuss.
Dearest Gini,
I have pondered this issue a lot over the last year. After Trey's passing, Bruce Serven not only took his own life but also killed his infant son. Shortly after that is the incident you mention here that was scary and not comfortable. And shortly after that, another friend of a friend went missing for a couple of days after leaving a very frightening message on Facebook.
To me, this issue is a double-edged sword. Social Media *can* help make a difference for people. I believe that strongly. But as Peter Parker was told, with great power comes great responsibility. Ever since the double whammy of Bruce and Trey last fall, I have been fingernail sensitive to any behavior that seems off to me. Has a usually talkative person gone really quiet? Does a person keep alluding to a hard time, or are they lashing out in a way that is not normal for them?
I now find myself in a position where I am much more acutely aware of these kinds of changes, and I am a lot less shy about contacting people I care about to see if they're okay. Sometimes, as corny as it sounds, having a person check up on you can be enough to remind you you're not alone in the world. But sometimes, too, people get into such a dark place that there is no kindness that can bring them back. And we have to be ready to do our best but not take responsibility. That is a REALLY tricky dance to do. I still lament that I did not notice Bruce had stopped posting to his blog for a month. I had no idea he was unemployed. I had no idea he was going through a hard time. I try now to make more real connections with people, which the online world enables me to do.
It's a tough nut to crack, for sure.
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@margieclayman How did I miss this!??! I'd forgotten about Bruce. That one was really awful. It was a week before I was no longer getting scheduled tweets from him. Very disarming. I do think it's important for us to pay closer attention, particularly to those we really are fond of, but it's not our sole responsibility to notice if someone hasn't posted to their blog in more than a month. You have a great attitude towards it...and I love that you make real-life connections.
Latest blog post: Breaking Down the Silos: Lonely vs. Functional
@ginidietrich know it's not germane here, because I know my bud Gini knew Trey. But I have to admit that I knee-jerked a bit when I first read this post. Of course, it's a great article and interesting study on a difficult issue- but, with so many people who had never met Trey using his suicide as a basis for their post.....how many "lessons learned from Trey Pennington's suicide" posts were written?!....it just opened up a wound that I thought had pretty much healed. My thoughts still go out to Trey's family and others let behind by this difficult event. cc: @MissDestructo
@jeffreypjacobs I think in this case remembering what happened to Trey is not any kind of PR stunt. I know a lot of posts and other things surfaced after his death that turned what should have been a time to grieve into a time to feel anger and resentment towards the online world. I unfortunately did not get a chance to know Trey well and I was horribly grossed out by what the online world did during that time. I can't imagine how his friends and family felt, truly.
However, a year later, maybe friends and family can have the space to remember him in the online environment where he was so well known, you know? And frankly, it was extremely shocking that someone who I always thought of as happy and well-loved would take their own life. His story is a lesson to us, and from what I know of Trey, using a story to try to stave off future pain would be something he'd be okay with.
Condolences, continuing, to all who knew and loved him well.
Latest blog post: The ABCs of Marketing Myths - A New E-Book
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@jeffreypjacobs @MissDestructo I really thought about whether or not to include him in this post. I thought hard about it. A couple of weeks ago, his story would have fit well in a blog post, but I chose not to include him. This time, though, I thought it was important to tell his story, as it relates to the fact that social media is making us closer to our friends, near and wide, and we have to pay attention when we see something not quite right.
That said, I'm very sorry to open the wound. I miss him very much. I know you do, too.
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@jeffreypjacobs @ginidietrich I still can't believe @treypennington is gone. I feel like he's still here. One of the greatest men on earth.
@missdestructo @ginidietrich agreed, hard to imagine that it happened and feel deeply for those left behind. My heart goes out to them.
RT @ginidietrich: Social media and its effect (good and bad) on suicides http://t.co/fwUIp4f6
@dianacw60 I asked @T_Burrows & @RobCairns what they thought to get a broader perspective...... They are awesome! #BeGreat
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First off thanks for writing the post. I need to start this off by saying that Social Media and the Internet need to stop being a dumping ground for suicides or any other issue in society. These are just the current communication medium being used. The mediums is always changing.
This article suggests social media plays a big part in suicide. I only agree from a communication point of view. If social media and the Internet where not around, the suicides would still happen. Pacts would still happen. They would just be communicated very differently.
Social Media provides a great way to communicate when things are going well and right. This article paints a black picture in my opinion that is not deserved.
As for bullying actually a lot of bullying just happens in text messaging. If we took smartphones and social media away the methods would change. People adapt for the good and bad with the times.
Remember that the real cause of Suicides are a mental illness. Social media is just the method that people use to lash out. I actually know of several cases where social media prevented suicides. Again just the communication method.
I also think the cause of suicide increasing is day to day pressure, lack of empathy and even lack of funding for mental health programs. These all have a greater impact then social media.
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@Robcairns Hey Rob! Thanks for stopping by.
By no means does this blog post say social media is the cause for increased suicides. Nor does it make it the dumping ground. It simply is reiterating a study completed after years of research (starting in 2000 with the first documented group suicide pact) that shows access to more "how-to" information and pro-suicide chat groups may lead to an increased risk. It also cited cyberbullying and its effect on teenagers.
The effect social media has on the behaviors that exist with or without the web means we have the ability to recognize the signs more clearly and to take action if we see something out of whack. But I do not, in any way, blame social media for suicide.
Latest blog post: Government, the Dinosaur, and Finding the Fish
@T_Burrows #Einstein, " It's become obviously, that our technology has surpassed our HUMANITY" I love this quote.
@berettamae @RobCairns @jerryagar1010 @drdrew @ginidietrich Left my comment there. Way too much for twitter.
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The social space is what it is... a tool for communication plain and simple. It amplifies those communications so good can seem great, bad can seem unbearable and through it all, all most people will ever see is a snap shot of what is happening either way.
The people are what determines the value of social media and when it comes to suicide, depression, anxiety, the people can greatly impact outcomes. Great people will rise and lend a helping hand to stranger or friend. Others, well, let's just say their place in society is somewhat questionable.
Social media provides greater listening and speaking abilities. We need to make sure that topics like this are discussed, awareness is raised and people get help...or at the very minimum, they are told someone hears them. A bad wrap comes all too often when a tragedy happens and everyone has the opportunity to look back and they determine it could have been prevented, all the signs were there. It's great playing Monday morning quarterback, but it's Sunday morning that really matters.
Err on the side of caution. Anytime you see something that seems 'not right', say something. That includes "bad vibes" from people, but also bullying taking place. Stand up, say no and show what you're really made of and don't be a bully. Yes, many people are bullies and might not even realize it. How many of us have gone straight to FB and Twitter to scream about the injustice when Starbucks messed up our order. Might seem like just a rant, but it sets a tone. And it sets an example for kids who might see what adults are doing.
Social media is a tool for communicating. We need to recognize it's greatness, it's drawbacks and it's realistic ability to accomplish anything... all are minimal without great people involved in it.
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@T_Burrows Totally agree. That's why I found the study so interesting. It's not the fault of social media, but rather in how people use the tool. It's astounding to me that there are "how-to" videos and chat forums that are pro-suicide. I suppose that stuff could happen offline, too.
But the study does show an increased risk of suicide because of information found on the web and through text messages. My own opinion is we now have the ability to recognize signs of depression more quickly because of social media.
The thing about the web is people say things here they wouldn't say in person. To your point, how many people complain about United or Starbucks or any other company that has done them a customer service injustice?
We do set the tone for our kids and in how we use the tools. My point only was that this study has seen an increase in suicides because of the information found on the web.
Latest blog post: Government, the Dinosaur, and Finding the Fish
@berettamae @T_Burrows @jerryagar1010 @drdrew @ginidietrich good points will leave a comment when I get home because I disagree on some
@JustInTheSouth Interesting. Just read this yesterday. There is hope... http://t.co/URXR8DRO
@ginidietrich Tons of exciting things going on! Getting my feet wet in graphics design at WS and web programming :) How have you been??
It is easy to only discuss the happy topics, but it is also necessary to talk about the difficult ones. I also lost a friend to suicide, many years ago. There are times she still shows up in my dreams, and we talk. I miss her a little less on those days following such nocturnal chatting.
I don't know if social media is a plus or not, but I know that I care just as deeply about some of the friends I've made on Twitter, as I do the others in my life. I would hope that a 140 character cry for help would be answered and I'll do a better job of watching my timeline, now.
Great post, Gini.
Latest blog post: Lake Effect: Ch 5 Day 4
@ExtremelyAvg I'm still bummed I missed you this past weekend. I got out to go for a bike ride and decided I should go nowhere near the lakefront (which is only half a mile away). If I'd had my head on straight, I would have ridden down to Navy Pier and you could met me in my full cycling gear. :)
Latest blog post: Government, the Dinosaur, and Finding the Fish
@ginidietrich Don't be too bummed. The beauty of my friend's journey, is that he will be right back at Navy Pier, July 5th, assuming he survives the run around Lake Michigan. Of course, I'll be there and would love to see you in full cycling gear. :-)
Latest blog post: The Bad Review
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@ExtremelyAvg I completely agree. Really great post Gini and one worth bringing to light. It's a good reminder I think for myself, to be conscious of my younger siblings, cousins and family friends in particular because it's definitely a different world they are growing up in and we must all adjust the way we safeguard and teach the younger generation and the generation to come in particular.
@rachaelseda @ExtremelyAvg Oh look! Rach is getting old and sentimental!
Latest blog post: Government, the Dinosaur, and Finding the Fish
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As with some of the others, I've also lost friends to suicide, it was due to severe depression. One of them was very active on social media and had a lot to live for, but his depression overruled all of that. He a successful actor and had a great business going after he gave up acting. It impacted me because I saw it in his tweets, his FB posts, etc. that something just wasn't right. Unfortunately, with him living in LA, it was tough for me to do anything except try to talk to him over the phone(which he never answered if ever) or email. His sister tried to find him after he disappeared. If a friend or an acquaintance is doing something that seems out of the norm for them, reach out to them. Sometimes just having someone to rant to can make all the difference in the world for them.
@StaceyHood Sometimes that's the only thing we can do. And usually there are signs that, if we're really paying attention, we'll see. It sucks you couldn't do anything more for your friend, but it sounds like you did everything he would allow you to do.
Latest blog post: Government, the Dinosaur, and Finding the Fish
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@StaceyHood Well said. And just as telling as troubling posts are the lack thereof. Some people do tend to withdraw when dealing with depression.
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This is a tough one for me, too, @ginidietrich , because I don't suffer from depression but I'm connected with a number of people who are. I've had to deal with suicide directly - my brother in law's father took his life last summer. There wasn't much of a paper trail to follow, making it all even harder to process. If there were signs, no one noticed. He was always a kind-hearted and jovial man, so the suicide was jarring.
I think that we sometimes forget that the ways in which people utilize the social web aren't always in line with our own, that the platforms mean different things for different people, and that might mean that there is no strategic purpose for anything that they post.
Cyberbullying is a complicated topic, and one that Lisa speaks of often from her vantage point as a classroom teacher (and soon-to-be administrator). The relative anonymity of the internet + an audience can lead to some downright nasty behavior that most people wouldn't dream of doing IRL. There's a pretty famous Penny Arcade cartoon that describes the "Greater Internet F*ckwad Theory". I've often said that there is a performative side to everything that we do on the social web, because we know there's an audience and, at some level, we pander to that audience subconsciously.
Latest blog post: The Story Still Being Written
@jasonkonopinski A few years ago I learned my young professionals were saying AWFUL things to one another over email. Things they would never say in person. And from the cubicle next to them. It was so bad I cut off internal email. It forced everyone to talk to one another, work out their issues, and communicate professionally. I say that to say you're right - people say incredible things to one another when it's masked in the written form.
Latest blog post: Government, the Dinosaur, and Finding the Fish
@ginidietrich It's really amazing, isn't it? Clay Shirky has written on this subject a lot. There's something about the internet that drives some people to completely lose all social graces and act like complete douches without a second thought.
Latest blog post: The Story Still Being Written
And while I generally abhor dropping links to my own blog in the comments, here's the post that I was referencing indirectly above: http://www.jasonkonopinski.com/2011/01/18/public_discourse_as_performance/
Latest blog post: The Story Still Being Written
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I like the part about hope. We need to remember the social part of the social web. We see cries for help and other clues, and we need to reach out. If it's not our place or we feel uncomfortable, we're connected to plenty of others who might be closer to the person.
I hope that in the long run, we can use these tools and platforms to help more people.
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@KenMueller Ken, I agree with everything you've said. I think the social web can help us in helping each other when we see that someone is in a time of need whether that is a cry for help from someone who is suicidal or simply needing support going through a difficult time in their lives. I have lost several good friends to suicide and helped a couple make their way through those difficult thoughts and gotten through the dark times to a better place in their lives.
I think the social web has helped people to connect with each other and has made the world smaller and I like to think a kinder place.
Cyberbullying is an issue that we need to deal with. It is a real issue, as is bullying in general. The web has made some people feel more comfortable bullying as they sit behind a computer screen and typing on a keyboard. Bullying as an issue needs to be dealt with. I worked for years for a bully boss and can tell you it is a trying experience to say the least. But I do think that education is the key and it needs to be a priority.
This is a great post Gini on a difficult and not often talked about subject. Thank you for writing it.
@KenMueller That's exactly why I received so many messages from friends about my friend. Everyone knows we're good friends and hadn't seen me comment on anything she had updated so they wanted me to know so I could talk to her.
Latest blog post: Government, the Dinosaur, and Finding the Fish
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It is really hard to figure out sometimes. Last week a friend of the family hung himself and though many could tell you they knew he was upset no one had a clue he was considering suicide.
Sometimes there isn't much of a paper or cyber trail to follow. It is part of what makes this so very hard because no one knew that they were in so much pain they had passed the point of trying to get help.
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@TheJackB That was part of what the study said - it's not an easy thing to research. But they do know incidences are increasing with more information available...which is really, really sad.
Latest blog post: Government, the Dinosaur, and Finding the Fish
@ginidietrich I am not making light of this but I always question the numbers and how accurate they are.
Are they really going up or are we just beginning to see how many suicides have really been taking place.
Latest blog post: What Is The Most Important Page On Your Blog
This one makes me ponder. Either your online is an extension of your non-online life OR your online life is an escape from reality. I can't see how it can be both unless you're portraying your online life to be an extension when it's really not... But then you're lying to yourself. IMO, real life bullying is much more difficult to cope with - there's no "blocking" people in the school yard and not so easy to switch to a different "network." There's a limited number of connections that yute's have in the real world, but options abound in the online world. Though the last part is a total paper argument as I've never been bullied or been a bully online. I totally should have added cyberbullying to my list of "THAT guy" behaviors to avoid. Great post, Gini!
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@SociallyGenius I keep receiving emails from an anonymous person who is saying awful things to me. He/she won't do it from their own account and the emails are really disturbing. I've reported it as spam. I've alerted the police department here. I've even emailed back to say it's harassing and it needs to stop. I actually don't care if you don't like me (that's a lie - I do care), but if you're going to say awful things about me, have the cajones to do it to my face and not under some fake email address.
Now take that situation and put it on someone in high school. I would have felt very close to suicide if that had happened to me back then.
Latest blog post: Government, the Dinosaur, and Finding the Fish
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@ginidietrich @SociallyGenius This is unacceptable news, Gini.The immaturity of adults just surprises me (assuming it's an adult, of course). I'll go "country girl" on them when you find out who it is :)
Since he's probably reading this, Although, it has just occurred to me that we're giving this ass clown the attention he so desperately gets off on. So no more attention for you Mr. No balls. The time for honoring yourself will soon be at an end. @jasonkonopinski @Maranda @ginidietrich
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@Maranda @ginidietrich @SociallyGenius Time to round up the posse for a little cowboy justice.
Latest blog post: The Story Still Being Written
@ginidietrich point taken. What is this DB's email address? I'll have one of "my people" track the source. Email it to me if you don't want it public ;)
@SociallyGenius I've tried to figure out who it is. They've taken great strides to cover up their tracks.
Latest blog post: Government, the Dinosaur, and Finding the Fish
[...] content, Spin Sucks is always the place to go. This week, Gini Dietrich tackled a tough topic: social media and its effect on suicide. The ensuing discussion in the comments is really powerful. It’s definitely worth a [...]