Online with suicidal ideation:How individuals communicate in and perceive a peer-to-peer mediated social media group

Objective: Individuals experiencing suicidal ideation increasingly use social media to communicate with peers. The literature shows mixed results of its impact and lack of in-depth explorations of closed social media groups. Aim was to explore how members of a closed peer-to-peer social media group for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation communicate and perceive of their membership. Method: Access to a closed Facebook group was obtained through administrators and members. Data consisted of descriptive statistics, written content (1 January–30 June 2020), and in-depth interviews with members (n = 5). Data were analyzed using thematic network analysis. Results: A total of 445 posts and 2891 comments were analysed alongside five interviews. Four thematic areas emerged: (i) Members could share their thoughts with ‘similar others’ in the group; (ii) Many outpoured frustrations in a one-directional manner, while others searched for deep peer discussions; The group was used for (iii) sharing emotional peer-to-peer support; and (iv) practical advice to navigate the psychiatric and social systems. Conclusion: Findings highlight the group as a safe space and perceived lack of support from the system. They can assist in better understanding the value and challenges of online peer-to-peer communities; advise on how to navigate them; and pinpoint to support needs of this community.</p

Making Sense or Non-Sense? Communicating COVID-19 Guidelines to Young Adults at Danish Folk High Schools

Little is known about young people&rsquo;s behaviors and responses under outbreaks of infectious diseases such as the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in institutional settings. This research investigated the reactions of young adults residing at Danish folk high schools (FHSs) towards COVID-19 guidelines and the communicative styles used to enforce COVID-19 guidelines. The qualitative data consists of focus group discussions (FGDs) with students, interviews with staff, and participant observations, as well as survey data from 1800 students. This study showed that young adults reacted negatively when first faced with the new reality of COVID-19 restrictions. They expressed distress over the loss of meaning (non-sense), loss of sense of community, as well as uncertainty. Hygiene guidelines, however, made immediate sense and were socially well accepted. Most FHSs actively involved students in risk communication and creative examples of community-building communication were identified. This study demonstrates that successful risk communication at educational institutions must take into consideration how young adults make sense of and cope with the uncertainties of life during crisis situations including epidemics