Beyond the digital Werther effect and its suicidal behavior of adolescents
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Abstract
Adolescent suicide represents a critical public health problem in Panama, where approximately 120 people end their lives annually, ranking as the second leading cause of death. Of particular concern is the growing influence of social networks and the digital Werther effect in this phenomenon, with statistics indicating that 60% of young Panamanians have experienced suicidal ideation. The objective of this research was based on analyzing the relationship between social networks and suicidal ideation in adolescents, considering patterns linked to the Werther effect in digital environments, in order to recommend applications that help as prevention measures in this population. It was carried out under the quantitative method with descriptive scope, specifically focused on Panamanian adolescents between 12 and 17 years old, active users of social networks. The results of other studies showed a positive relationship between certain patterns of use of digital platforms and the increase in suicidal thoughts, identifying five main mechanisms: exposure to harmful content; excessive intensity of use; social pressure by comparison, algorithms that reinforce negative cycles and cyberbullying, the latter being the most worrying as it reflects that 64% of adolescents are exposed to hateful content. It was concluded that addressing adolescent suicide in the digital age requires comprehensive preventive strategies that include digital literacy, early recognition of warning signs and creation of safe spaces for emotional expression, as well as responsible parental vigilance in terms of content monitoring.
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References
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