Facebook expands suicide prevention efforts with AI.
In a bid to prevent suicide, Facebook is rolling out an enhanced AI technology to pre-empt any attempts. This upgraded technology uses pattern recognition that allows Facebook to check posts, comments and live videos to determine whether or not the post’s creator is suicidal.
If the software detects a potential suicide, it then alerts a team of Facebook workers who specialises in handling such reports. The system will suggest resources to the user or to friends of the person, such as a telephone helpline. Facebook workers could also inform local authorities to intervene.
The new AI feature will be deployed globally, with all of Facebook’s suicide prevention resources available internationally and in all languages. The tools represents a big step forward using AI technology to help reach out to people at risk of self-harm or suicide.
McDonald’s Black Friday Twitter Stunt
On Black Friday (24th November 2017), McDonald’s mistakenly tweeted:
While this looked like a mistake, the unfinished tweet received more than 20,000 retweets. 8 hours later, the tweet was still not removed, and users started debating if this was a well planned moment.
McDonald’s soon responded with:
Within minutes, users applauded the come-back to the ‘mistake’. It is still a mystery whether this was a planned “error” or simply a clever recovery. Either way, we can learn a thing or two from the golden arch.
Instagram Adds Live Request feature
Instagram is now rolling out ‘Live Requests’, one month after releasing the ‘Live Guests’ feature to every user.
‘Live Requests’ allows users to tap a “Request” button while watching a friend’s live video. Once the friend has accepted the request, the screen will split in half so the user can hang out live with that friend.
This function could make Instagram live streaming more appealing to brands, such as the ability to create interactive Questions and Answers. Guests can ask their questions in person rather than posting them in the comments section. The face-to-face social interaction could prove interesting material for brands seeking to build an engaging community.
