Problematic use of social networks as a risk factor for non-suicidal self-harming behavior

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Evseev VD, Bokhan NA, Mandel' AI, et al. [Problematic use of social networks as a risk factor for non-suicidal self-harming behavior]. Rossiiskii psikhiatricheskii zhurnal [Russian Journal of Psychiatry]. 2024;(5):40-48. Russian

Abstract

In this narrative literature review, in order to analyze Russian and foreign studies aimed at studying the impact of problematic use of social networks and the Internet on self-harming behavior of adolescents and young people, publications were searched in databases and electronic libraries PubMed (MEDLINE) and eLibrary from January 2010 to November 2023. The review included 53 studies out of 516 found. Much of the research, including large meta-analyses, has shown that problematic social media use is an important risk factor for both non-suicidal self-harming behavior and suicidal tendencies, including suicide attempts among adolescents and youth. Over the past few years, researchers have pointed to the growth of potentially dangerous content on social networks and the Internet. Self-harm photos and videos are a serious issue at the center of current discussions about the mental health risks for adolescents and young people in the digital age. The results of the research emphasize the relevance of studying self-harming behavior, its connection with social networks and indicate the need for additional research in this area.

Keywords social networks; Internet; non-suicidal self-harming behavior; suicide; teenagers

References

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