An Analysis of the Content and Availability of Information on Suicide Methods Online

Abstract

Objective: To describe the types of content available to people searching online for suicide methods. Method: A series of suicide and suicide method-related searches were conducted through Google, Yahoo, Bing, and Ask search engines. Results: Most sites provided information on suicide methods and included discussion of suicide methods between users. Explicit encouragement of suicide was rare. However, dismissive or hostile responses to individuals expressing suicidal feelings were common. Conclusions: Information on suicide methods is easily found online. Mental health organizations may need to direct more efforts towards educating and training the public on how to appropriately respond to s..