Facebook To Bolster Its Suicide Prevention Tools
In response to recent episodes in which deeply troubling moments play out in real time, this social media platform hopes to play a role in curbing suicide attempts.
The Washington Post:
Facebook Hopes Artificial Intelligence Can Curb The ‘Terribly Tragic’ Trend Of Suicides
Just like that, Naika Venant was live. The 14-year-old girl was on Facebook, broadcasting from a bathroom at her foster home in southeastern Florida. Then, she was hanging from a scarf tied to a shower’s glass door frame — a deeply painful and personal moment playing out publicly on social media. A friend saw the video stream on Facebook Live and called 911, but officers were sent to the wrong address. By the time they got to the foster home in Miami Gardens, it was too late: Naika had committed suicide. (Bever, 3/1)
San Jose Mercury News:
Facebook Adds Suicide-Prevention Tools For Live Video And Messenger
Facebook wants to help prevent suicide in real time as live video and messaging grow in popularity. On Wednesday, the tech firm announced new tools so users can report a video in which someone is live-streaming a suicide attempt or self-injury. Users will also be able to reach out to the person directly, and Facebook says the person streaming the video will see options to contact a help line, reach out to a friend or view tips. (Wong, 3/1)