(PS8-44) Exposure to Self-harm Online: Are LGBTQ+ Youth at Higher Risk?

Amidst of ongoing discussions surrounding the influence of social media on adolescent well-being, scholarly attention has shifted from quantification of screen time to a more nuanced exploration of diverse online behaviors and their psychological consequences. A particularly salient topic in this domain is the proliferation of online content pertaining to self-injury and suicide, yet the extent of its prevalence remains ambiguous, and little is known about which adolescents may be at a higher risk of exposure to and use of this content.

Of particular concern are LGBTQ+ youth, a group that already experiences elevated rates of mental health challenges. Understanding the potential negative repercussions of online self-injury and suicide-related content within this vulnerable population is imperative in understanding the mental health risks associated with social media use in this population.

The current study, which is beginning recruitment, will enroll both LGBTQ+ and cisgender, heterosexual adolescents ages 15 to 18 with a parental waiver of consent. Four hundred participants are anticipated to complete the study by November 2024. Participants will complete a measure of online self-injury related activities, encompassing deliberate engagement with as well as inadvertent exposure to content pertaining to suicide or self-harm. Participants will additionally complete the Functional Assessment of Self Mutilation and answer questions regarding past suicidality.

The present analysis aims first to estimate the prevalence of NSSI and suicide-related content use among older adolescents generally and specifically among sexual and gender minority adolescents. Secondly, this analysis will compare cisgender, heterosexual adolescents with their sexual and gender minority peers on exposure to this content while controlling for baseline internet and social media usage. Third, groups will be compared regarding their intentional use of suicide and self-harm related content, controlling for their baseline NSSI and suicidality. Fourth, risk factors for exposure to this content will be proposed.

Understanding individuals who are more at risk for engagement with self-injury and suicide related content will help inform future research into the impact of this content. Furthermore, understanding risk for exposure to and use of this content can inform development of appropriate policies and public-health interventions targeting this content to ensure the internet is a safe place for all youth.