Disadvantages of Suicide Prevention via the Internet
However, while the internet is anonymous, it is also impersonal. Lester (2009) notes,
“In contrast to counseling by e-mail, telephone counseling is immediate, feedback is obtained from the client quickly, and there is opportunity to correct mistakes. Counselors can hear the client’s voice and realize if they have touched an area which is sensitive for the client. There are many cues, such as the tone of voice, silence, and crying, and these cues can guide counselor responses. … The language used in e-mail counseling is another area in which the counselor can have difficulties. In telephone counseling, it is easier to assess the nuances of meaning by the tone of the voice. E-mail requires simpler more straightforward language in order to avoid any confusion.”
This makes the counselors much more stressed, as they may not have any clues to the mental state of their client. In addition, while telephoning is more subtle and caring, e-mails can seem straightforward, shocking, and detached. (Lester, 2009)
Many websites, in addition to crisis hotlines, also provide information on where to get help locally, signs of suicide in friends, and general awareness of mental illness and depression. While this may seem beneficial, Szumilas and Kutcher (2009) found that more than one half of statements on popular Canadian suicide-help websites were unsubstantiated by any evidence. Lester (2009) also indicates that, while trying to be helpful, “there is great disparity on the information presented and, furthermore, there is little validity for many of the warning signs listed [on such websites].” It is distressing that such misinformation exists on sites that are supposed to be helpful to vulnerable, suicidal youth. Szumilas et al. (2009) state, “fundamental to addressing issues pertaining to youth suicide is the availability of high-quality, evidence-based information that is readily accessible to the public, health providers, and policy-makers.”
