Engaging With Suicide and Self‐Harm Content Online: Evidence of Momentary Decreases in Self‐Injury and Suicidal Thoughts

INTRODUCTION: As many as 70% of individuals experiencing self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) access online content relevant to SITBs. Despite this, no prior research has investigated momentary effects of the use of this content, which may help explain functionality of this type of internet use. This study investigated the short-term effects of engaging SITB-related internet use on NSSI thoughts and suicidal ideation (SI). We additionally differentiated the effects of pro-recovery versus pro-SITB content. METHODS: Participants completed 1 week of EMA measures of suicidal ideation, NSSI thoughts, and SITB-related online content use before and after engaging with this online content. RESULTS: We found a significant decrease in SI and NSSI thoughts from pre- to post-use, indicating that engaging in SITB-related content was associated with a decrease in SITB-related thoughts. Valence was significantly predictive of changes in NSSI, but not SI, with pro-recovery content associated with changes in more adaptive directions. Pro-SITB content was not associated with poorer outcomes. CONCLUSION: SITB-related content was associated with a significant decrease in SITB-related thoughts. Pro-recovery content was the most impactful, showing the largest decrease. Better understanding the unique effects of engaging with this content online has implications for both clinical care and social media policy.