CAUSES OF SUICIDE ATTEMPTS AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE ON SOCIAL NETWORKS AND METHODS OF PREVENTION

Dilshoda Nodirovna Nurboboyeva

3rd Year Student, Psychology Department Turon University 

Abstract: Social networks have a profound influence on the mental health of young people, sometimes precipitating suicide attempts. Key causes include cyberbullying, social isolation, harmful social comparison, and exposure to suicidal content. This article explores these factors in detail and discusses effective prevention methods such as digital literacy education, mental health support integration, algorithmic content moderation, and peer support systems to mitigate risks and promote psychological resilience in adolescents

Keywords: Social networks, suicide attempts, youth mental health, cyberbullying, social isolation, social comparison, suicidal content, digital literacy, prevention methods, peer support, algorithmic moderation, emotional resilience, online harassment, adolescent psychology, mental health resources.

In recent years, the profound impact of social media on the lives of young people, as well as on their psychological health and social interactions, has been steadily increasing. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have enabled youth to express themselves, maintain connections with friends, and access information, yet they have also introduced new risk factors. Specifically, cyberbullying, social comparison, feelings of loneliness, and the spread of suicide-related content are contributing to a rise in depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts among young people. For example, studies conducted in the United States show that young individuals who experience cyberbullying are four times more likely to have suicidal thoughts and attempts (National Institutes of Health, NIH). 

At the same time, social media can also play an important role in supporting the mental health of youth. Online mental health resources, supportive peer networks, and algorithmic monitoring tools for early identification of at-risk individuals can effectively strengthen the psychological resilience of young people. 

The primary objective of this article is to thoroughly investigate the impact of social media on suicide attempts among youth and to identify the main factors involved in this process. Additionally, it aims to develop effective prevention strategies focused on limiting the spread of harmful content on social media, supporting the psychological well-being of young people, and enabling early detection of individuals at risk. 

To achieve this objective, the following tasks have been outlined: 

1. To analyze the effects of cyberbullying, feelings of loneliness, and suicide-related content on the mental health of young people on social media. 

2. To develop prevention strategies aimed at curbing the dissemination of harmful content on social media and supporting the psychological health of youth. 

3. To establish systems for early identification and assistance for individuals at risk. 

This article proposes evidence-based scientific approaches aimed at preventing suicide attempts among young people and improving their psychological well-being.

The influence of social media on adolescent psychological development represents a multifaceted and rapidly evolving domain within contemporary mental health research. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have become embedded within the social fabric of youth culture, profoundly affecting identity formation, emotional regulation, and social interaction. According to Social Comparison Theory, the pervasive exposure to curated and idealized representations of peers lives intensifies self-evaluative processes, often exacerbating feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and depressive symptoms. 

This psychosocial dynamic is further complicated by phenomena such as the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), which heightens anxiety and emotional distress by perpetuating the perception of social exclusion or lesser personal fulfillment. Empirical evidence robustly links these psychological stressors to increased vulnerability to suicidal ideation and attempts among young people. For instance, research conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reveals that adolescents subjected to cyberbullying exhibit more than a fourfold increase in the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to non-victimized peers. These findings are corroborated by meta-analytical reviews indicating a significant correlation between online harassment and self-harm tendencies. 

Beyond cyberbullying, recent longitudinal studies underscore the predictive significance of digital addiction symptoms manifested through compulsive social media engagement and excessive screen time in forecasting suicidal behavior. Notably, it is not merely the quantity of screen exposure but the qualitative aspects of addictive use, such as emotional dysregulation and functional impairment, that critically elevate suicide risk. Such insights necessitate the implementation of comprehensive, evidence-based intervention strategies encompassing digital literacy education, parental mediation, platform accountability, and accessible mental health services.

 Digital literacy programs aim to enhance adolescents’ critical awareness of online content and its psychological impact, thereby fostering resilience against harmful social comparison and cyberbullying. Parental involvement is essential in establishing boundaries and supporting healthy digital habits. Concurrently, social media companies must enhance content moderation protocols to limit exposure to suicide-related and harmful material, utilizing algorithmic detection and user-reporting mechanisms. Finally, integrating mental health resources within digital environments can provide timely support for at-risk youth, potentially curtailing the progression from ideation to suicidal behavior.

Projecting into the near future, it is anticipated that these multifactorial approaches, augmented by advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning for early detection of distress signals, will substantially mitigate the deleterious effects of social media on adolescent mental health. Consequently, this synthesis of theoretical frameworks, empirical data, and practical interventions forms a critical foundation for understanding and addressing the complex relationship between social media use and suicide risk among young people.

The intersection of social media use and suicidal behavior among adolescents can be critically examined through several psychological and sociological theories that elucidate underlying mechanisms contributing to vulnerability. One of the foundational frameworks is Festingers Social Comparison Theory (1954), which posits that individuals inherently evaluate themselves by comparing with others to establish self-worth and identity. 

In the context of social media, this process becomes amplified due to the omnipresence of idealized, often curated representations of peers’ lives, resulting in maladaptive upward comparisons that precipitate lowered self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and feelings of inadequacy (Vogel et al., 2014). Empirical studies confirm that adolescents engaging in frequent social comparison on platforms like Instagram report elevated levels of anxiety and depressive affect, both established precursors of suicidal ideation (Appel et al., 2016).

Complementing this is the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (Joiner, 2005), which identifies two primary psychological states driving suicidal desire: perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Social media can exacerbate these states through cyberbullying and social exclusion, which diminish feelings of social connectedness and increase loneliness, thereby intensifying suicidal risk (Van Orden et al., 2010). Data from longitudinal studies reinforce this association, revealing that adolescents experiencing online harassment exhibit significant increases in suicidal ideation over time (Hamm et al., 2015).

Another relevant framework is the Cognitive-Behavioral Model of Problematic Internet Use (Davis, 2001), which explains addictive patterns in social media engagement. This model theorizes that maladaptive cognitions such as beliefs about the necessity of online validation lead to compulsive use that interferes with daily functioning and emotional regulation. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that such addictive use patterns predict heightened emotional distress and suicidality in youth (Moreno et al., 2011; Hawes et al., 2022). Notably, recent research differentiates between mere screen time and addictive behaviors, highlighting that it is the latter’s interference with psychosocial functioning that serves as a more robust predictor of suicidal tendencies (Twenge & Campbell, 2018).

From a sociological perspective, the Routine Activity Theory offers insights into the situational factors facilitating exposure to harmful content and cyberbullying. This theory suggests that the convergence of motivated offenders (cyberbullies), suitable targets (vulnerable youth), and the absence of capable guardians (insufficient moderation and supervision) creates an environment conducive to victimization (Cohen & Felson, 1979). The lack of adequate content regulation and digital literacy exacerbates youths exposure to suicide-related content, which empirical data link to contagion effects and normalization of suicidal behavior (Niederkrotenthaler et al., 2012).

Looking forward, the integration of these theories suggests a complex biopsychosocial model wherein individual vulnerabilities, cognitive distortions, and environmental risk factors converge synergistically to influence suicidal behavior in adolescents engaged in social media. Predictive models incorporating machine learning algorithms applied to digital footprints show promise in early detection of at-risk youth by identifying markers consistent with these theoretical constructs (Reid et al., 2023). This underscores the imperative for multidisciplinary prevention strategies combining psychological interventions, digital literacy enhancement, and platform-level policy reforms to mitigate the burgeoning public health challenge

n conclusion, the intricate relationship between social media use and suicide attempts among adolescents is mediated by a confluence of psychological, cognitive, and sociocultural factors. Empirical evidence elucidates that exposure to cyberbullying, maladaptive social comparisons, addictive engagement, and suicide-related content collectively exacerbate mental health vulnerabilities, precipitating suicidal ideation and attempts. Theoretical frameworks such as Social Comparison Theory, the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, and the Cognitive-Behavioral Model of Problematic Internet Use provide a robust explanatory scaffold for understanding these dynamics. Notably, the amplification of risk is facilitated by insufficient digital literacy, inadequate content moderation, and the absence of effective psychosocial support systems within digital environments.

Forecasting the trajectory of this public health issue, it is anticipated that without comprehensive interventions, suicide attempts linked to social media will continue to rise concomitantly with increased digital engagement among youth populations. However, advances in predictive analytics utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning hold promise for early identification of at-risk individuals through real-time monitoring of online behaviors and linguistic markers. This technological evolution must be integrated thoughtfully within ethical frameworks to safeguard privacy while maximizing preventive potential.

Based on the synthesis of current literature and data, several critical recommendations emerge. First, multidisciplinary prevention programs should be implemented, incorporating digital literacy education aimed at fostering resilience to negative social comparison and enhancing critical engagement with online content. Second, parental and educational stakeholder involvement is imperative to establish balanced digital consumption and to facilitate open dialogues about mental health risks associated with social media. 

Third, social media platforms bear a significant responsibility to enhance algorithmic content moderation, proactively removing harmful and suicide-related materials, and promoting supportive, prosocial content. Fourth, accessible, youth-friendly mental health resources embedded within digital platforms should be expanded, enabling timely interventions. Finally, policymakers must prioritize the development of regulatory frameworks that hold digital platforms accountable for mitigating harms and safeguarding adolescent mental health.

In summation, addressing the multifactorial impact of social media on adolescent suicide attempts demands an integrative approach combining psychological theory, empirical research, technological innovation, and policy action. Such a holistic paradigm will be indispensable for reducing suicide rates, improving mental health outcomes, and fostering a safer digital ecosystem for future generations.

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Nurboboyeva Dilshoda born on March 4, 2005, in Shurchi village, Shahrisabz district, Kashkadarya region, is one of Uzbekistan’s bright young minds who has devoted her early years to the pursuit of knowledge and human understanding. From childhood, she has been deeply passionate about learning, psychology, and the science of the human soul.

In 2023, she was admitted to Turon University in Karshi city, majoring in Psychology, and currently continues her studies as a third-year student. Throughout her academic journey, Dilshoda has shown exceptional dedication not only in mastering her field but also in inspiring and leading others.

As the leader of the “Future Leaders” initiative, she has worked to foster a spirit of unity, motivation, and academic excellence among students. Her leadership is defined by empathy, creativity, and the ability to bring people together toward shared goals.

Dilshoda’s scientific research has already earned recognition. She has authored and published around ten academic papers in respected journals such as “Science, Education and Research,” “Prospects of Science,” and “Journal Pedagogs.” In addition, she has participated in several scientific and practical conferences, including “Young Jadids” and “Future Scientists,” where she shared her research findings and innovative ideas. She is also the recipient of multiple international certificates for her academic and leadership achievements.

Her technical proficiency includes digital literacy, analytical research, presentation design, and effective work on online platforms — skills that support her modern, research-oriented approach to psychology.

For Dilshoda, psychology is more than a profession — it is a calling. She believes that a true psychologist helps people overcome emotional struggles, develop confidence, and restore inner harmony. Her mission is to study the human psyche deeply and to contribute to building a society with stronger mental well-being and positive thinking among youth.

In the future, she aspires to become a qualified psychologist and educator, continue her scientific research, and share her knowledge through teaching and practical work in the field of psychology. Dilshoda aims to be a role model for young researchers and an advocate for mental health awareness.

Her life philosophy beautifully reflects her dedication to learning and morality:

“Study so hard that I have no strength left to sin.”