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The Impact of Suicidality-Related Internet Use: A Prospective Large Cohort Study with Young and Middle-Aged Internet Users

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  • Hajime Sueki
  • Naohiro Yonemoto
  • Tadashi Takeshima
  • Masatoshi Inagaki

Abstract

Background: There has been no study that has allowed clear conclusions about the impact of suicide-related or mental health consultation-related internet use. Aim: To investigate the impacts of suicide-related or mental health consultation-related internet use. Methods: We conducted prospective observational longitudinal study with data collection at baseline screening (T0), 1 week after T0 (T1) and 7 weeks after T0 (T2). Participants with a stratified random sampling from 744,806 internet users were 20–49 years of age who employed the internet for suicide-related or mental health consultation-related reasons and internet users who did not. The main outcome was suicidal ideation. Secondary outcome measures comprised hopelessness, depression/anxiety, and loneliness. Results: The internet users who had employed the internet for suicide-related or mental health consultation-related reasons at T0 (n = 2813), compared with those who had not (n = 2682), showed a significant increase in suicidal ideation (β = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.20–0.55) and depression/anxiety (β = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.12–0.61) from T1 to T2. Those who disclosed their own suicidal ideation and browsed for information about suicide methods on the web showed increased suicidal ideation (β = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.23–0.88; β = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.26–0.63, respectively). Although mental health consultation with an anonymous other online did not increase suicidal ideation, increased depression/anxiety was observed (β = 0.34, 95%CI: −0.03–0.71). Conclusions: An increased suicidal ideation was observed in the young and middle-aged who employed the internet for suicide-related or mental health consultation-related reasons. Mental health consultation via the internet was not useful, but those who did so showed worsened depression/anxiety.

Suggested Citation

  • Hajime Sueki & Naohiro Yonemoto & Tadashi Takeshima & Masatoshi Inagaki, 2014. "The Impact of Suicidality-Related Internet Use: A Prospective Large Cohort Study with Young and Middle-Aged Internet Users," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(4), pages 1-9, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0094841
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094841
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    1. Luxton, D.D. & June, J.D. & Fairall, J.M., 2012. "Social media and suicide: A public health perspective," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(S2), pages 195-200.
    2. Kate Daine & Keith Hawton & Vinod Singaravelu & Anne Stewart & Sue Simkin & Paul Montgomery, 2013. "The Power of the Web: A Systematic Review of Studies of the Influence of the Internet on Self-Harm and Suicide in Young People," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(10), pages 1-6, October.
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