Recognizing that a Facebook user's friends are the ones most likely to spot suicidal thoughts, comments, etc. Facebook has launched a feature that will allow a Facebook user's friends to click a link next to a suicidal comment that will flag it as suicidal. Then, instantly a chat box will pop up on the user's screen (the one who posted suicidal comments) that is connected to a suicide crisis counselor. The goal is to immediately connect the suicidal Facebook user to resources in hopes of preventing them from harming themselves.
Facebook will not have staff members or algorithms trolling for suicidal comments like it does with nude or "indecent" photos. The company felt it would not be effective and that there was potential for the algorithm to misread comments. It was indicated that Facebook Friends would be the best resource due to their broader knowledge of a user's intentions.
Other digital magnets such as Yahoo and AOL have previously used technology to support users in crisis by having a suicide hotline automatically come up as the first item in a search if the person has typed in a keyword related to suicide.
If you want to read more about the service click here.
Would you use this feature? What do you think of it?
Leave a comment