Facebook announces use of AI software to help aid in suicide prevention
Orange County, CA - March 2nd 2017 - In February Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg outlined his proposal to use artificial intelligence (AI) software to analyze site generated content. A plan welcomed by the Family Online Safety Institute, the use of AI would eventually be able to detect terrorism, violence, bullying, and prevent suicide. Now a month later, the social media site has initiated their plan starting with the latter.
The algorithms will be used to spot warning signs of depression and suicidal thoughts through users’ posts and comments. Once affirmed by the human review team at Facebook, the company will reach out and offer the means of seeking help. This includes using the site’s Messenger application to get in contact with an array of US mental health organizations like Crisis Text Line, the National Eating Disorder Association and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While counseling has been offered through Facebook for years, it previously relied on other users to report the post so officials could see it.
A suicide helpline chief has said the new process is, "not just helpful but critical".
Currently only being tested in the US, the algorithm is being trained with examples of previous posts indicated as suicidal. This includes posts talking of sadness and pain, as well as responses expressing worry for the original poster’s well-being. Once identified by the software, Facebook community operators conduct a rapid review.
"We know that speed is critical when things are urgent," Facebook product manager Vanessa Callison-Burch told the BBC.
The director of the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline noted the company’s efforts, however criticized Facebook’s actions by saying it isn’t enough and that eventually the staff will need to contact those around the original poster to assure help is available. While Facebook officials recognize that research says friends or family reaching out is typically more effective, they are holding off on the option.
"We're sensitive to privacy and I think we don't always know the personal dynamics between people and their friends in that way, so we're trying to do something that offers support and options," said Callison-Burch.
Following the death of a 14 year old girl who livestreamed her suicide the company rolled out technology to work with Facebook Live. If someone watching the stream reports they’re concerned about the content, Facebook gives advice to the viewer about ways they can reach out to support the poster. This report also notifies the Facebook community operations team who can then overlay a message to the streamer. The team won’t cut off the stream as experts highlighted it will only remove the opportunity for others to intervene.
These new technologies have gone live worldwide, though the option to contact counsellor helplines via Messenger is limited to the US. Facebook plans to inquire with other help organizations to see if the demand can be handled by the facility before expansion.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression and/or suicidal thoughts please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. They provide 24/7 free, confidential support for those in distress and provide prevention and crisis resources for friends and family.
Don’t hesitate to reach out.
1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
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Facebook announces use of AI software to help aid in suicide prevention Orange County, CA – March 2nd 2017 – In February Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg outlined his proposal to use artificial intelligence (AI) software to analyze site generated content. A plan welcomed by the Family Online Safety Institute, the use of AI would eventually be […]