Peers Spread Suicidal Thinking, Not Suicide

A recent meta‑analysis suggests that exposure to suicidal thoughts and nonfatal suicidal behaviors within a social network raises the likelihood that friends will experience similar thoughts or attempt self‑harm, while exposure does not appear to increase completed suicides. This distinction matters because it points to modifiable social dynamics (peer discussion, normalization, contagion) rather than inevitability. — If suicidal ideation is socially contagious but completed suicide is not, policy and platform responses should focus on early detection, peer‑support training, and safe communication rules rather than censorship or panic.