Positive and negative influences of the Internet on suicide
Suicide websites on the Internet have often been reported as suicide-
facilitating stimuli and many studies focus on the negative influence of
the Internet on suicide. However, as the authors pointed out, the Internet
may have beneficial effects on suicide (1) and to better understand the
phenomenon both positive and negative influences of the Internet on
suicide should be considered.
To test whether the use of Internet support groups for mental health
is associated with suicidal ideation during the last 12 months, data were
derived from 2002-2003 U.S. National Latino and Asian American Study
(NLAAS; n=2,095; male=997; female=1,097). After controlling for gender,
age, acculturative stress, perceived discrimination, and the level of
English proficiency, logistic regression analysis was used to examine the
association between the use of Internet support groups and suicidal
ideation. Asian Americans (age 18-95) were included for analysis.
9.11% of participants reported that they had suicidal ideation during
the past 12 months. 2.77% of participants reported that they used Internet
support groups for mental health. After controlling for covariates, a
statistically significant association was found between the use of
Internet support groups for mental health during the past 12 months and
suicidal ideation during the past 12 months (t=2.67, p=.008). The data
shows that people with suicidal ideation are more likely to participate in
Internet support groups for mental health.
This association does not necessarily show the causal relationship
and it is unclear how beneficial the Internet support group for mental
health was. However, the findings may suggest that suicide prevention and
intervention can be provided through the Internet for those who have
suicidal ideation and visit those sites. Further research is needed to
ensure the beneficial effects of the Internet on suicide.
1. Biddle L, Donovan J, Hawton K, Kapur N, Gunnell D. Suicide and the
Internet. BMJ 2008;336(7648):800-2.
Rapid Response:
Positive and negative influences of the Internet on suicide
Suicide websites on the Internet have often been reported as suicide-
facilitating stimuli and many studies focus on the negative influence of
the Internet on suicide. However, as the authors pointed out, the Internet
may have beneficial effects on suicide (1) and to better understand the
phenomenon both positive and negative influences of the Internet on
suicide should be considered.
To test whether the use of Internet support groups for mental health
is associated with suicidal ideation during the last 12 months, data were
derived from 2002-2003 U.S. National Latino and Asian American Study
(NLAAS; n=2,095; male=997; female=1,097). After controlling for gender,
age, acculturative stress, perceived discrimination, and the level of
English proficiency, logistic regression analysis was used to examine the
association between the use of Internet support groups and suicidal
ideation. Asian Americans (age 18-95) were included for analysis.
9.11% of participants reported that they had suicidal ideation during
the past 12 months. 2.77% of participants reported that they used Internet
support groups for mental health. After controlling for covariates, a
statistically significant association was found between the use of
Internet support groups for mental health during the past 12 months and
suicidal ideation during the past 12 months (t=2.67, p=.008). The data
shows that people with suicidal ideation are more likely to participate in
Internet support groups for mental health.
This association does not necessarily show the causal relationship
and it is unclear how beneficial the Internet support group for mental
health was. However, the findings may suggest that suicide prevention and
intervention can be provided through the Internet for those who have
suicidal ideation and visit those sites. Further research is needed to
ensure the beneficial effects of the Internet on suicide.
1. Biddle L, Donovan J, Hawton K, Kapur N, Gunnell D. Suicide and the
Internet. BMJ 2008;336(7648):800-2.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests