Research shows that media reporting on suicide can increase or mitigate the risk of imitating behaviour. In the digital era, another important question arises: What is and how does the public perception of media reporting on suicide differ in social media and traditional online media? This exploration is crucial as the immediacy and interactivity of social media could increase its influence on public perception and the potential for imitation. To address this, our study examines the effects of various media formats and reporting styles on public perceptions of reporting on suicide, aiming to promote more responsible reporting practices.
Using an experimental design, we assess the impact of social media content and traditional online media articles on suicide on users' perceptions by analyzing participants' reactions to three topics: suicide, traffic incidents, and natural phenomena. Approximately 70 adults are being screened to ensure their safety and eligibility for the study. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups, each exposed to Facebook posts and media articles on one of the three topics, with content and tone ranging from preventative to provocative. Data on perceptions, emotional reactions, and engagement preferences are collected via a series of questionnaires. Recruitment, screening, and face-to-face testing are underway, supervised by researchers to ensure participant safety.
Data analysis will begin in mid-spring 2024, examining variations in responses to different types of content. We anticipate that participants' responses to posts and articles will differ, particularly in contrasting provocative against preventive content and when comparing social media to traditional online media. Variations are anticipated within each topic and across the three topics under study.
This study design provides insight into how reporting on suicide in social and traditional media affects users' perceptions and behaviour. The findings, to be presented at an upcoming congress, will deepen field knowledge and provide evidence-based foundations for updating guidelines on responsible reporting on suicide. These guidelines will advocate for ethical and responsible reporting on suicide on various media platforms, aiming to promote effective coping strategies and minimise the risk of imitative behaviour.