Self-injury and its relationship with factors associated with social media use: a systematic review
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Abstract
Nonsuicidal self-injury is a relevant mental health issue that, in the current digital context, has acquired new forms of expression, exposure, and interaction through social media. The aim of this study was to analyze recent evidence on the relationship between non-suicidal self-injury and the use of social media. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were applied for the search and selection of articles in the SCOPUS, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest databases, using inclusion criteria that considered studies in English and Spanish. A total of 13 articles were analyzed, mostly employing mixed and cross-sectional designs focused on platforms such as X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and WhatsApp. Results showed that social media can function as a risk factor by promoting exposure and normalization of self-injury, but also as spaces for support and emotional containment. It is concluded that digital interaction constitutes an ambivalent environment requiring more effective moderation policies and preventive strategies focused on mental health and digital literacy, as well as studies testing models to clarify the digital space.
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