Self-harm and suicide: Social media adolescent addiction claims

Recent research links compulsive social media use among adolescents to a higher risk of self-harm and suicide-related outcomes, including suicidal thoughts, suicide planning, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). NSSI refers to intentional self-inflicted injury without suicidal intent, a distinction that matters because self-harm and suicide are related but not the same condition. Studies increasingly point to specific experiences on these platforms, rather than simple screen time, as the strongest risk factors.

Warning signs and risk indicators associated with heavy social media use include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Exposure to electronic or online bullying
• Seriously considering suicide
• Making a suicide plan
• Exposure to self-harm-related content online
• A prior history of self-injury

The causing factors behind self-harm and suicidal behavior are multiple, involving genetic predispositions, existing mental health conditions, family or environmental stress, exposure to bullying, and, as recent studies suggest, addictive patterns of social media use.

Research linking self-harm and suicide to excessive social media usage

Recent research points to a connection between heavy social media use and self-harm or suicide-related risk among adolescents:

• A CDC survey of over 20,000 high school students found frequent social media use was linked to higher rates of bullying, persistent sadness, and thoughts of suicide
• The U.S. The Surgeon General’s 2023 Advisory found that there is not enough evidence to show that social media is safe for children and teens, given how prevalent and pervasive youth use has become
• An over eight-week study of adolescents showed that it was exposure to self-harm content, not just time online, associated with urges and behaviors of self-harm
• Large-scale meta-analysis found that online bullying was strongly associated with suicidal thoughts, suicide plans and self-harm, especially for teens
• A separate meta-analysis of nearly 285,000 adolescents found a moderate association between internet addiction and self-injury

Adolescents are significantly affected by social media addiction

A broad research review spanning 61 studies, 16 countries and more than 338,000 young people found that nighttime smartphone use, internet addiction, and problematic social media use were each associated with greater odds of self-harm and suicidal behavior. When teens already dealing with anxiety or depression turn to social media as a coping tool, it can increase exposure to harmful content and reinforce the patterns that researchers are working to understand.

We can help you file a social media addiction claim

If your child or teen has struggled with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or has required treatment tied to the addictive design of social media platforms, you may be able to file a social media adolescent addiction claim and pursue compensation. Atraxia Law reviews each social media addiction claim to determine whether it qualifies. Contact us to have your case assessed and get connected with a litigation attorney who can represent you in the ongoing MDL against major tech companies.