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According to a US study, a growing number of adolescents are engaging in digital self-harm, a practice that involves anonymously sending hateful messages to oneself. This approach, similar to physical self-harm, particularly affects girls, non-heterosexual young people and those from racial minorities.
Published in Journal in School Violencea studyconducted by Florida Atlantic University and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, analyzed data from three independent national surveys conducted in 2016, 2019, and 2021, involving American adolescents aged 13 to 17. The researchers considered two behaviors that helped measure digital self-harm: “whether teens had anonymously posted something mean about themselves online in their lifetime and whether they had anonymously cyberbullied each other online in their lifetime“, explain the authors in a statement.
Unlike cyberbullying, where the abuse is directed at others, digital self-harm involves teens sending themselves harmful content on social media. Their findings show that a form of self-directed violence, facilitated by online anonymity, is growing.
This phenomenon, which appeared in 2010, is affecting more and more young people: between 2019 and 2021, 9 to 12% of American adolescents engaged in it, compared to 6.3% in 2016, an increase of more than 88%.This upward trajectory, particularly within specific demographic groups, underscores the need for targeted interventions and support systems, especially as research has shown a strong association between digital self-harm and traditional self-harm, as well as between digital self-harm and suicidality.“, the researchers explain.
Furthermore, the data collected shows that certain groups of adolescents are more vulnerable: those from racial minorities, young women and non-heterosexual young people are more likely to self-harm online.
“Digital self-harm has been linked to major problems such as bullying, depression, eating disorders, physical harm, sleep disturbances and even suicidal tendencies.“, explains Sameer Hinduja, co-author of the study.
The motivations behind this practice vary: self-hatred, seeking attention, wanting to look cool, dark humor, or even a cry for help. Digital self-harm remains very similar to traditional self-harm, only its medium differs.
“Understanding why young people engage in digital self-harm and helping them develop healthier coping mechanisms is essential.“, said Sameer Hinduja.Additionally, it is essential that parents, caregivers and mental health professionals working with young people provide support to all targets of online abuse, whether in an informal, conversational setting or in a formal, clinical setting.“, he concludes.