Suicide and Internet addiction - psychological perspective

Abstract

The subject matter of the paper lies on the borderline of two important social problems i.e. Internet addiction and suicide. The problem of suicide is still treated as a social taboo in contemporary world. Those who have attempted to kill themselves as well as their families are discriminated and ill-treated by their immediate environment and driven into inferiority complex. Every so often the only option left to such people is the Internet that offers an attentive ear and consolation because the access to professional help in the real world may be limited in a given place and in a given moment. On the Internet one may talk and exchange information on any topic at any time of night and day. The Internet is a cheap and widely available platform offering websites, chat rooms, forums and support groups for people experiencing the same problems. It should be emphasized however, that there are dark corners on the Internet which should not be visited by wide audiences. Some online contents are just not well-adjusted to the development age of young Internet users. This paper is a discussion of a metaphoric and literal aspect of suicide on the Internet and a call for more scientific research, educational campaigns and psychoprophylaxis related to the subject matter of suicide and self-destruction. The author emphasizes the necessity to raise awareness to the issue of suicide which is still a social taboo and subject to social myths. Although many specialist facilities, associations and institutions are already involved in addressing the problem, the number of suicide attempts has not been reduced mainly because the activities undertaken are scattered and badly coordinated. The effects of these efforts are not satisfactory neither for theoreticians nor for practitioners.