During its Fifth Compassion Research Day, Facebook announced the addition of both suicide-prevention features and an additional gender fill-in-the-blank option. Previously, there was a selection of 58 gender options available; this new fill-in-the-blank feature allows users to self-identify.
"We worked with mental health organizations Forefront, Now Matters Now, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Save.org and others on these updates, in addition to consulting with people who had lived experience with self-injury or suicide.
One of the first things these organizations discussed with us was how much connecting with people who care can help those in distress. If someone on Facebook sees a direct threat of suicide, we ask that they contact their local emergency services immediately," read an official message from Facebook.
Users will be able to flag posts from friends that they fear might be considering suicide or self-harm. The next time the individual logs in, a message will appear from Facebook offering help and support if needed. Concerned friends will also be encouraged to reach out directly to their friend or contact others who can provide support.
Facebook worked with suicide-prevention organizations to develop the new tools in an effort to be sensitive while addressing the issue. With an increasing segment of the world's population connected to social media, many have turned to social media as an outlet for expressing their depression or even suicidal thoughts.
For the time being, the new suicide-prevention resources will only be released to users in the United States in March. However, Facebook also hopes to release the features globally in the near future.
The 59th gender option will be available to all users. Facebook first expanded its gender selection beyond the traditional 'male' and 'female' a year ago, eventually reaching a list of 58 options. Adding a fill in the blank category will allow individuals to self-identify instead of choosing from the prepopulated options.
Ari Chivukula, a Facebook software engineer who helped create the feature and identifies as trans-gender, expressed the hope that it will work to “open up a dialogue" surrounding trans-gender identity.
Although both updates may seem relatively minor, the impact of small changes like these can have a large impact on people who need them. As the world increasingly connects via Facebook, the implications of online community directly affect many in society beyond the internet.