Digital Search Trends on Suicide in Türkiye: An Infodemiological Study

Authors : Ali Ceylan, Pınar Çiçekoğlu Öztürk
Pages : 345-353
Doi:10.18863/pgy.1758891
View : 592 | Download : 2124
Publication Date : 2025-12-16
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Objective: Infodemiology, as a scientific field studying information flow in electronic environments and its factors, has gained significant prominence in health informatics. This approach, which analyzes digital data sources, offers valuable insights for tracking public health trends and informing health policies. The goal of this study is to identify digital trends in Turkey by analyzing internet users’ search behavior related to suicide. Method: The study was conducted using an infodemiological design. Data were collected in July 2025 with the keyword “suicide” through Google Trends. As part of the screening, data from the past five years (July 2020–July 2025) were analyzed. Türkiye was selected as the country, “all categories” as the category, and “Google Web Search” as the search type. Results: In Türkiye, interest in digital searches for the keyword “suicide” fluctuated between 2020 and 2025. This pattern indicates a consistent curiosity, concern, or need for information about suicide within society. Examining the search history reveals that users search not only for the term “suicide,” but also for related keywords such as “death,” “suicide methods,” and “suicide note.” This suggests that users are seeking information about various aspects of suicide, including methods and emotional content left behind. Therefore, online search behaviors related to suicide reflect a complex curiosity that involves psychological, sociological, and behavioral factors rather than focusing on a single theme. Conclusion: This study reveals the online information-seeking trends of society regarding suicide. To determine whether search behavior is driven by a desire for information or by a wish to avoid stigma, advanced research supported by qualitative data is needed. Additionally, evaluating factors such as access to mental health services, levels of societal awareness, and media effects through search data can contribute to the development of community-based mental health policies
Keywords : İntihar, İnfodemiyoloji, Google Trends, Google Trends

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL