Self-harm and frequent social media use are associated, but the direction is unclear. Young people are used to share positive and negative content from their life on social media, and enjoy this activity. On the other hand, studies show that many are overwhelmed and even triggered by verbal or graphic material related to self-harm or suicide.
Sharing or consuming suicide related or self-harm content may both be harmful, as well as provide support and information needed to get help. A special concern is those already at risk for suicide or self-harm. Few studies exist regarding individual experiences and perspectives on self-harm and social media use from young people with lived experience. By interviewing young adults treated for self-harming and suicidal behaviour earlier in life we want to add to this literature. We asked whether they used social media as teenagers, and whether social media use had an impact on their mental health and self-harming behaviour
The study uses a qualitative design with semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited from a sample of former patients treated for self-harming behavior, participating in a randomized controlled trial looking at the efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for adolescents vs enhanced usual treatment. All those who had attended DBT and who were going to ordinary interviews in connection with the main study were consecutively asked to participate in a 1-hour long interview. 12 persons were interviewed, and it has been 10 years or more since they were in DBT treatment. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed by two researchers who also conducted the interviews using thematic text condensation. The questions regarding social media experiences were taken at the end of the interview and analyzed separately.
11 answered that they used social media or blog communication at the time when they were younger. 10 felt it was related to their self-harm, and that it was not good for their mental health. Att the same time most report that they now as adult can use it more balanced and formulate that it can be of importance to get information that you are not alone when struggling. In addition, they remember the social media platforms as overly focusing on having to look good or to be best amongst others.
This study provides further knowledge regarding personal experiences of the connection between self-harm and social media and support earlier findings related to use the platforms to give help.