Abstract

In this work we acknowledge that suicide is a global issue that may could be labeled as an epidemic. With ever increasing access to connective technologies and forums, the movement for online communities and support groups is becoming increasingly common and accepted. Online communities offer a level of anonymity that enables individuals to feel a sense of empowerment and social bonding. When applied to suicide, online communities can form as pro-suicide (suicide plans are encouraged), claimed neutral (the forum or community claims they do not advocate for any single position on suicide completion) or preventative where an individual can seek help for suicidal thoughts or tendencies. We seek to further understand lexicon and sentiment differences between these communities. In addition, we aim to create a network of users in the communities to analyze the influence of an individual, and if there are any lexiconic differences between influencers and non-influences within that community.

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Pro-Suicide vs. Suicide Prevention Communities: An IT Perspective on Public Health

In this work we acknowledge that suicide is a global issue that may could be labeled as an epidemic. With ever increasing access to connective technologies and forums, the movement for online communities and support groups is becoming increasingly common and accepted. Online communities offer a level of anonymity that enables individuals to feel a sense of empowerment and social bonding. When applied to suicide, online communities can form as pro-suicide (suicide plans are encouraged), claimed neutral (the forum or community claims they do not advocate for any single position on suicide completion) or preventative where an individual can seek help for suicidal thoughts or tendencies. We seek to further understand lexicon and sentiment differences between these communities. In addition, we aim to create a network of users in the communities to analyze the influence of an individual, and if there are any lexiconic differences between influencers and non-influences within that community.