Introduction: This study examined the use of social networking sites (SNSs) among rural Australian youth with lived experience of suicidality. The research aimed to understand how young people in rural communities use SNSs during suicidal crises and how these interactions are perceived and responded to by peers, family, and professionals.
Methodology: Participants included young adults (18–24 years), family members and friends, and rural health or school professionals from rural New South Wales. A further 65 rural residents completed online questionnaires rating risk in vignettes depicting SNS posts from suicidal young people. Recruitment occurred via SNSs, print advertising, and word of mouth. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis, while demographic and vignette data were examined using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
Results: Young rural people used SNSs during suicidal crises for three main purposes: self-regulation during distress, co-regulation through connection in moments of crisis, and farewell communication before suicidal action. Suicidal ideation was often expressed via graphic tools such as memes and GIFs; written messages were typically veiled and directed to a small, curated group of peers. Decedents used SNSs to send final goodbye messages to close friends. While rural community members reported confidence in recognising and responding to suicidal posts, many also expressed stigmatising beliefs—viewing disclosures as attention-seeking, a developmental phase, or hormonally driven. These perceptions contributed to young people feeling burdensome and socially excluded, reinforcing reliance on SNSs for support and, in some cases, intensifying online expressions of suicidality.
Significance: This study proposes a model illustrating the interplay between offline and online needs of suicidal youth and recommends adapting theoretical frameworks to incorporate SNS dynamics into mental health interventions. Findings have implications for: clinical assessment, incorporating SNS use into suicide risk evaluation, educational policy, promoting digital literacy and stigma reduction, and cyber safety protocols, recognising SNSs’ role in crisis communication. Understanding how rural youth use SNSs during crises can inform more integrated, responsive, and culturally relevant suicide prevention strategies across both digital and real-world contexts.