What age group is the most suicidal?

Please respond to other students discussion post:
In “The Vaccine War” I noticed several persuasion methods that were utilized by the pro-vaccine and the anti-vaccine sides. The pro-vaccine side used their position of authority, as medical professionals, to convince viewers that all vaccines are necessary. Limited data was shared, such as the fact that 16 childhood illnesses are now preventable (PBS, 2019). Confirmation bias is a strategy that was used in this program. Videos of children suffering from polio, as well as testimony was shared by those who lived through it. No one wants to go back to those days. On the other side, one parent shared that when their daughter was born, she questioned the Hepatitis B vaccine being given to a newborn, and shared that the nurse became upset, also showing that the persuasion technique of authority is powerful. There were several medical experts, such as Dr. Fauci, who explained (while, interestingly, giving little data), that when it comes to vaccine injury, correlation does not equal causation. The anti-vaccine side used likability to present their side in this video. Popular celebrities, and political figures were shown giving speeches to emotional crowds about vaccine damage. Parents are fiercely protective of their children, and appealing to emotions can be a powerful motivator for parents. One advantage that the anti-vaccine side seems to have is the use of social media. Social proof is another persuasion technique that is effective. With social proof, “people will do things that they see other people are doing. This is why in advertisements, certain social networks show you who of your friends like a page, or are going to an event” (Conceptually, n.d). Social media campaigns, such as on Facebook and Twitter have been very effective at communicating the anti-vaccine message. I also noticed that there was minimal data shared on either side, and an emotional appeal was the common ground for both sides. Unfortunately, this is a very emotionally charged issue, and there seems to be little middle ground.
“Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10 to 34 years old people” (Sruthi, 2022). Also, “In the United States, social media usage is higher among users aged 18 to 29” (Oberlo, n.d.). According to these statistics, while suicide is highest among young adults, social media is also widely used by the same age demographic. Both social media use and suicide rates have increased over the past several years. Social media use has been linked to increased depression and anxiety. “Evidence suggests that self-harming youth is more active on online social networks than youth who do not engage in self-harm behavior” (Memon, et al., 2018). When a suicide occurs, it can promote more sucidal behavior, especially among adolescents. Conversely, social media can also be an effective tool in suicide prevention. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok could be used to spread awareness of suicide risks and signs, as well as provide helpful information and ways to reach out for help. In addition, social media provides a platform for people to share their experiences with others with a relative degree of anonymity. Because users often do not use their own names, and because they are behind a screen they may be more willing to reach out for help. According to Cox, et al., social media can engage individuals that may be more isolated or hard to reach. In addition, it “may allow others to intervene following an expression of suicidal ideation online, and provide an anonymous, accessible and non-judgmental forum for sharing experiences” (2015).
References
Conceptually. (n.d.). Cialdini’s six principles of influence. https://conceptually.org/concepts/6-principles-of-influence
Cox, B., Bailey, E., Hetrick, S., Rodrigues, M., Fischer, S., & Herrman, H. (2015, February 19). Social media and suicide prevention: a systematic review. Early Intervention in Psychiatry. 10(2), 103-121. https://doi.org/10.1111/eip.12229
Memon, A., Sharma, S., Mohite, S., & Jain, S. (2018, October). The role of online social networking on deliberate self-harm and suicidality in adolescents: A systematized review of literature. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. 60(4), 384-392. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_414_17
Oberlo. (n.d.). What age group uses social media the most? https://www.oberlo.com/statistics/what-age-group-uses-social-media-the-most
PBS (2019). The Vaccine War [Video file] https://www.pbs.org/video/frontline-the-vaccine-war/ (54:01)
Sruthi, M. (2022, January 13). What age group is the most suicidal? Medicinenet. https://www.medicinenet.com/what_age_group_is_the_most_suicidal/article.htm