Digital Catharsis or Harmful Exposure? A Thematic Analysis of Self-Directed Violence Reddit Posts

Thematic analysis of 1,989 posts from Reddit suicide and self-harm communities. Themes include graphic descriptions of self-harm, support-seeking that replaces offline social connection, and the perception that these discussions are only safe online. Concludes that despite help-seeking resources, using Reddit to discuss self-directed violence could increase users' risk of detrimental mental-health impacts.