The Impact of a Widely Publicized Celebrity Suicide on Suicide-Related Internet Search Activity.

A recent widely publicized suicide in Norway was associated with increases in Google searches for suicide. No indications of the Papageno effect were found. The media should be cautious when reporting about the suicides of prominent public persons. Compliance with generally accepted media reporting guidelines may need more attention.HIGHLIGHTSWe found a significant increase in search activity for suicide related terms.More attention should be devoted to careful media reporting on celebrity suicides.Media should consider the volume of publicity carefully.