Suicidal Ideation, Screen Time, and Online Harassment Among College Students: Gender Differences in a National Survey, United States, 2023-2024.

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To examine associations of online space usage time and online harassment with suicidal ideation among US college students, focusing on gender disparities. <b>Methods.</b> We analyzed data from the 2023-2024 Healthy Minds Study (n = 104 729), a national survey of college student mental health. Analyses were restricted to students randomized to the digital behavior module (n = 46 914). Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted using complete-case data, with analytic samples varying by model. All models adjusted for depressive symptoms, sleep duration, and sociodemographic covariates. <b>Results.</b> Both higher time online and online harassment were independently associated with increased odds of suicidal ideation. Compared with those reporting less than 1 hour per day online, students reporting 1 to 3 hours (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.29) and more than 3 hours a day online (AOR = 1.45) had elevated risk. Online harassment nearly doubled the odds (AOR = 1.77). Among cisgender males, associations were stronger for time online (AOR = 1.76-1.97) and online harassment (AOR = 1.91). <b>Conclusions.</b> Digital exposure, particularly among cisgender males, may represent a modifiable risk factor for suicidal ideation, underscoring the need for gender-responsive suicide prevention efforts in digital spaces. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2026;116(8):1104-1115. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308576).