As social media gains attention related to adolescent suicide risk, it is critical to understand the state of the science behind social media and its role in both risk and protection in suicidal thinking among adolescents. Dr. Hamilton will present ongoing research leveraging technology (e.g., ecological momentary assessment, smartphone sensing, and actigraphy) and incorporating youth perspectives to better understand how risk unfolds in real-time. She also will discuss critical next steps we can take to improve the rigor of social media research to promote adolescent mental health. 

This presentation targets psychologists, researchers, and clinicians, offering content at an introductory level. The speaker has reported no conflicts of interest or commercial support for this talk.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe and evaluate research linking social media use and teens’ suicide risk.

2. Discuss the risks and benefits of social media related to adolescents’ suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

3. Apply strategies for addressing social media use with teens to promote mental health