A study to examine the differential associations between types of social media use and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behaviours has been published.  The authors draw data from the ‘Students’ Health and Wellbeing Study (SHoT-2018)’ which examined students aged 18-25 based in Norway and/or abroad. Students reported on their use of social media and the study concluded that:

· Active social use in the public sphere – i.e. posting updates, photos or articles – was associated with higher likelihood of self-harm, self-harm ideation and suicide attempt. 

· Social private use – i.e. keeping in touch with friends and making plans – was associated with reduced likelihood of all self-harm and suicide outcomes. 

· Passive non-social use of social media was associated with reduced likelihood of self-harm ideation, self-harm and suicidal ideation. 

· Active non-social use was associated with reduced likelihood of suicide attempt. 

· Social comparison on social media was associated with increased odds of all outcomes. 

You can read the full study here: https://bit.ly/37UgZxl