Not attention-seeking, suicidal expressions on social media could be a cry for help: SOS

A pop-up message on the social media app Instagram that directs users to helplines and support when they search hashtags such as #suicide, #selfharm and #depression on the platform.
A pop-up message on the social media app Instagram that directs users to helplines and support when they search hashtags such as #suicide, #selfharm and #depression on the platform.ST PHOTO: ROSALIND ANG
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  • Published
    May 17, 2019, 11:00 pm SGT
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SINGAPORE - While suicidal thoughts expressed on social media might be brushed off as an attempt to seek attention, they could signal a real need for support, said the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) in response to the recent controversy around photo-sharing app Instagram.

The social media platform with approximately 1 billion monthly active users hit the headlines for the wrong reasons earlier this week when a teenage girl in Malaysia reportedly jumped off a building after she polled her followers on the app if she should live or die.

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