Influence of Social Media on Suicidal Behavior

The relevance of the influence of social media on mental health, especially on suicidal behavior, is gaining increasing significance in the context of widespread use of digital platforms among young people. Social media can both facilitate support and interaction and provoke psycho-emotional problems, which requires careful analysis. The purpose of this article is to study the influence of social media on suicidal behavior among adolescents and young adults, including identifying both negative and positive aspects. The primary research method was an empirical approach involving surveys and in-depth interviews, which allowed for collecting quantitative and qualitative data to analyze influencing factors. The study found that frequent use of social media is associated with an increase in suicidal thoughts, especially in the presence of negative experiences, such as cyberbullying and the pressure of idealized images. However, it was also found that participation in online communities can have a positive impact on mental well-being, providing a safe space for support. The practical and theoretical significance of the obtained results lies in the development of recommendations for enhancing media literacy and creating programs to reduce the negative impact of social media. These measures aim to reduce suicidal risks among young people and improve the effectiveness of using social platforms to support mental health.