Related Experiment Videos
#cutting: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) on Instagram
R C Brown1, T Fischer2, A D Goldwich3
1Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy,University Hospital Ulm,Ulm,Germany.
Psychological Medicine
|July 15, 2017
Summary
Instagram users frequently post images of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). More severe NSSI images receive more engagement, suggesting social reinforcement plays a role and highlighting the need for platform intervention to prevent online contagion.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Digital Media Studies
Background:
- Social media, particularly Instagram, is a primary interaction platform for adolescents.
- Content related to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent online.
- Adolescent engagement with social media necessitates understanding online behaviors related to mental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and posting patterns of NSSI images on Instagram.
- To analyze the nature of comments associated with NSSI images.
- To explore potential social reinforcement mechanisms in NSSI image sharing.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 2,826 images depicting wounds on Instagram over four weeks in April 2016.
- Independent rating of image content, associated comments, and user accounts.
- Statistical analysis of associations between image/comment characteristics and posting trends.
Main Results:
- Most images showed mild to moderate cutting wounds on limbs.
- Higher wound severity and multiple NSSI methods correlated with increased comment volume.
- Comments were predominantly neutral or supportive, with few hostile remarks.
- Image posting peaked in the evenings and early mornings, with minor weekly variations.
Conclusions:
- Instagram hosts frequent NSSI image postings, with potential for social reinforcement.
- The severity of NSSI depicted may influence social media engagement.
- Social media platforms require proactive measures to mitigate online social contagion of NSSI.