Suicide and Social Media: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health Publish Date: September 17, 2023 Author: Sheba M. Bonner In the era of technological interconnectedness, social media has evolved into an indispensable facet of our existence. It facilitates the maintenance of connections with acquaintances and loved ones, the dissemination of personal narratives, and unprecedented access to information. Nevertheless, the ascent of social media has concurrently ushered in a series of disconcerting developments, notably within the domain of mental health. Users can freely communicate with people on Internet systems, enabling them to discuss their thoughts with a global audience. Nonetheless, within this digital domain, an environment is cultivated where ceaseless comparisons prevail as the standard practice, frequently giving rise to widespread sentiments of inadequacy and compromised self-regard. The shield of anonymity provided by social media can lead to the escalation of cyberbullying. When individuals can engage without revealing their true identities, it often emboldens negative behaviors. Consequently, victims of such digital maltreatment find themselves at an increased risk of enduring heightened levels of psychological distress, including elevated stress and prolonged bouts of depression. Such cumulative effects can significantly compound one’s mental health challenges, potentially culminating in the development of suicidal thoughts. In addition, many users of social media tend to curate meticulously idealized online personas, carefully selecting and presenting only the most favorable aspects of their lives (Memon et al., 2018). Such practice often creates unrealistic standards for others, fostering sentiments of inadequacy and solitude among those who perceive a significant disparity between their actual lives and the meticulously crafted virtual representations they encounter.The influence of social media on mental well-being is a multifaceted matter characterized by both favorable and adverse facets. It is imperative to recognize the potential detriment that immoderate engagement with social media, instances of online harassment, and the culture of incessant comparison can impart. Concurrently, social media can serve as a reservoir of assistance and a medium for disseminating consciousness regarding matters of mental health. Reference: Memon, A., Sharma, S., Mohite, S., & Jain, S. (2018). The role of online social networking on deliberate self-harm and suicidality in adolescents: A systematized review of literature. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 60(4), 384–389. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_414_17