Suicidal Ideation and Internet Use Among Young Adults in Lagos State, South West Nigeria

Emerging evidence links heavy internet use and exposure to online content about self-harm with elevated suicidal ideation in young adults, presenting new challenges for mental health surveillance in digital environments. This study examines the association between internet use patterns and suicidal ideation among young adults aged 18 to 30 in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. A cross-sectional online survey will recruit 300 participants through social media snowball sampling. The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) will assess suicidal ideation, while the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and a custom questionnaire will capture internet use frequency, platform type, and exposure to suicide-related content. Depression and anxiety scores from the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 will serve as potential mediators. Path analysis will be used to test mediation models. Recent global studies highlight the dual role of the internet as both a risk environment and a mental health resource for young people. This study will provide foundational Nigerian evidence for digital mental health policy and university-based well-being programs in Lagos. Keywords: suicidal ideation, internet use, young adults, Lagos State, social media