The Use of Social Media Platforms to Communicate Suicidality by Young People and Its Implications in Rural and Remote New South Wales

This study explored the use of social networking sites (SNSs) for rural Australian youth with a lived experience of suicidality. Participants included five young adults (18–24 years), eight family members and friends, and seven rural health or school professionals, all with direct experience of youth suicidality in rural New South Wales communities. A further 65 rural residents completed online questions rating risk in vignettes consisting of SNS posts from suicidal young people. Recruitment occurred via SNSs, print advertising, and word of mouth. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis to identify core ideas and themes. Questionnaire demographic data and vignettes were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results of this study revealed that young rural people used SNSs during suicidal crises for three primary reasons: self-regulation during distress, co-regulation in moments of crisis, and as a medium for farewell messages before suicidal action. For young participants, the presentation of suicidal ideation occurred primarily via graphic tools, such as memes and GIFs; however, when communication was written, it was typically veiled, with the intended recipients curated to an exclusive group of peer-aged contacts. Decedents used SNSs to send final goodbye messages to their closest peers. Although rural community members expressed confidence in recognising and supporting suicidal youth based on SNS posts, they also displayed stigmatising views. Many perceived suicidal disclosures as attention-seeking, a developmental phase, or a result of hormonal changes. This perception contributed to feelings of burdensomeness and social exclusion among youth, reinforcing their reliance on SNSs for support and, in some cases, intensifying their expressions of suicidality online. This study proposes a new model for understanding the interplay between offline and online SNS needs of suicidal youth. Additionally, it suggests adaptations to existing theoretical frameworks to better integrate SNS dynamics into real-world mental health interventions. Findings from this research have implications for clinical assessments, educational policies, and cyber safety protocols, informing a more integrated approach to youth suicide prevention in digital and real-world contexts.