Facebook Reaching Out to Suicidal Users

As reported a few months ago, Facebook may now reach out to check on you if someone reports that you may be suicidal. I can empathize that critics may think this is an invasion of privacy or that Facebook is overstepping. Maybe technology has no place in asking questions about your life but on the other hand, if it helps save some lives, is it really that bad?

Personally, I've been in the situation where I wish this had existed. Friends on Facebook that I can't remember the last time I've talked to face-to-face popping up in my newsfeed saying how they'd like to go lay on some train tracks. Maybe I'm not a typical desensitized Millennial because I was actually concerned for the person. It was obviously a cry for help. But when seeing this, I myself felt helpless. People that she was obviously closer to were already commenting and providing support. If they couldn't help, what could I do?

In this case, it would have been nice to be able to anonymously reach out and let them know that someone cares what happens to them. My hope would be that taking the face away from the concern, the person wouldn't feel at all attacked or embarrassed. The anonymity may also make them hope that it's coming from someone they were really hoping to hear from, maybe pushing them to actually seek support.

Anonymously,
Christine