1. The meaning and operation of trust in an online discussion forum: A netnography of suicide ideation discussions
Matthew Williamson, University of Tasmania
Supervisors: Sonya Stanford, Anthea Vreugdenhil, Nicholas Hookway
AASW National Symposium 2017

2. Why I embarked on my research journey
Image: Linear77 “Eighty mile beach shells“

3. Research question and aims
“How is trust between users of a suicide discussion website constructed and how does this trust mediate online discussions of suicidal ideation?”
My project aims to expand current understandings of how people with suicide ideation negotiate risk and trust in an online environment. It also aims to:
understand the meaning and operation of trust in online discussions of suicidal ideation;
contribute to suicide prevention research by exploring the utility of a risk-theory based analysis of trust within the context of online discussions of suicidal ideation; and,
contribute a user-perspective to mental health practice knowledge and policy on the role of trust in online discussions of suicide.

4. Research as advocacy for those who use online sites for support
Anonymous Internet forums are a growing support for people who experience suicidal ideation.
Research identifies that individuals who experience suicide ideation are likely to have low levels of trust. Use of these sites may increase suicide risk through reinforcing distrust and diverting people from professional support.
However, suicide discussion forums may also allow users to reduce their suicide risk by establishing trusting and therapeutic relationships.
Image: Brian Kerrigan ”Woman using computer“

5. Conceptual framework: Trust
The expectation of another’s behaviour or benign intent towards the trustor (Möllering, 2006).
Allows action in the face of risk.
Image: Cameloctober “Crocodile Farm 075“,

6. Method and Research Progress
Netnography: an established approach to exploring online social interactions in a digital environment.
A feature of this research is its design as a minimal-impact project.
The research uses passive data collection and passive participation techniques to minimise impact.
Ongoing immersion stage in online community through passive observation and consumption of books, films, and videos.
The data analysis will include thematic analysis, semantic network analysis, and interaction network mapping.

7. Conclusion: research as advocacy
This project is a timely investigation into a contentious area for social work.
Produces knowledge based in client experience.
Reduces research impact for vulnerable communities.
Works as a vehicle for change in how we respond to expressions of suicide intent.
May contribute to postvention research by identifying and promoting the strengths and knowledge present in online communities.
Image: Pixino “Knowledge”

8. Thank you, and questions
References
Brown, P., Calnan, M., Scrivener, A. and Szmukler, G. (2009) 'Trust in Mental Health Services: A neglected concept'. Journal of Mental Health 18(5): 10.
Durkee, T., Hadlaczky, G., Westerlund, M. and Carli, V. (2011) 'Internet pathways in suicidality: a review of the evidence'. International journal of environmental research and public health 8(10):
Johnstone, C. (2011) "How and why do the suicidal go online? We need more research." 25 March, The Guardian UK edition, viewed 20 September 2016, < suicide>.
Joiner, T. (2007) Why people die by suicide. London: Harvard University Press.
Kozinets, R. (2010) Netnography: Doing ethnographic research online. London: SAGE Publications.
Möllering, G. (2006) Trust: Reason, routine, reflexivity. Amsterdam: Elsevier.
Niezen, R. (2013) 'Internet suicide: Communities of affirmation and the lethality of communication'. Transcultural psychiatry 50(2):
Robert, A., Suelves, J.M., Armayones, M. and Ashley, S. (2015) 'Internet use and suicidal behaviours: internet as a threat or opportunity?'. Telemedicine and e-Health 21(4):
Sztompka, P. (1999) Trust: A sociological theory: Cambridge University Press.