Saturday, March 4, 2017

Facebook's move to prevent suicide

While searching for new information about social media, I found an article on Regan’s PR Daily that I find very important. The topic of suicide hits hard to home with me, so learning that Facebook is making a move to improve suicide prevention is an amazing thing.

Facebook is using their live video program to improve prevention outreach. There seems to be an alarming number of people taking their lives while broadcasting live.

Suicide facts:
1.      Every 40 seconds one person dies due to suicide.
2.      Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people 15-29 years old.

It has been proven that one of the best ways to prevent suicide is to show that person that they are cared about. Facebook is in a great position because of their “friendships” on the sight. They are now adding features that can put a person in contact with other people who can help them. The new tools will include:
1.      A reporting function
This will call for a response from Facebook and enables the company to contact emergency services.
2.      Tools
The tools are in set in place to connect a person with people who can help them.
3.      Facebook’s new collaborates
Facebook has collaborated with the Crisis Text Line, the National Eating Disorder Association, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Facebook now has teams working 24/7 reviewing crisis reports and prioritizing the most serious suicide reports. They are working to get people to reach out to a friend, contact a help line, and offer tips and resources that can help.

I have been in the situation where I have known people whom have attempted suicide or have committed suicide. I think that Facebook’s move to improve suicide prevention is a great movement. People tend not to understand those that slip into a dark place or they think that a person who talks about suicide is just seeking attention, but it is a very serious manor. So, what are your thoughts on this new Facebook movement? I would love to hear your thoughts on this serious topic. 


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