A Qualitative Analysis Applying Uses and Gratifications Theory to Explore the Types of Spaces within Facebook Post Comments Regarding Mental Illness and Suicide

The current study investigated spaces created within Facebook comments on posts related to mental illness and suicide. The uses and gratification theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs served as the framework for this qualitative study utilizing content analysis to analyze 14,186 comments from 175 Facebook posts. This study highlights how user comments on specific posts create engagement spaces that turn positive or negative based on Facebook users' need for fulfillment. The findings also suggest that users engage with posts to meet various needs, such as seeking validation and attention, fulfilling a desire to feel valued, connecting with others through shared experiences, and soliciting opinions, help, and advice. The implications highlight the importance of understanding the underlying dynamics of needs expressed in comments related to mental illness and suicide. Future research could investigate the intervention strategies employed in developing AI-driven peer support programs on social media, as well as analyze discourse on platforms other than Facebook for comparative insights.