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This is something that's been on my mind as well, and I think an issue to take seriously by those at the levers. A friend recently took his life, and his FB ac

by hirsin 9y ago

This is something that's been on my mind as well, and I think an issue to take seriously by those at the levers. A friend recently took his life, and his FB account was deleted so I can't verify anything, but I can't help but wonder. Was there anything he had posted that I didn't see, that could have told someone (me) how he felt? It was loneliness apparently, and took all by surprise - how much did Facebook play a role in that? I'd do anything to have been there for him - I'd be devastated if an algorithm had prioritized my alt-right classmate's latest infowars share over a quiet plea for help because it generated more engagement.

DoreenMichele 9y ago
If it is any comfort, people who are suicidal typically have pretty serious problems, often including brain wonkiness. I am sometimes suicidal. I have extremely good support. My adult sons don't leave me alone when I am suicidal, because most suicides occur while alone, so simply having company is a deterrent. But they also don't bother to try to reason with me because I am not rational at such times. There is no convincing me that my warped perception of my life is completely unrealistic. Rebutting my crazy statements with facts to the contrary makes zero difference. I'm sorry for your loss. And I agree that this is something social media has an obligation to do better on.
- hirsin 9y ago
  I appreciate the kind words. Yes, it's certainly not social media's sole fault, and as others have said down thread, there have always been other ways of keeping in touch. I certainly don't blame Facebook for not showing me anything that may have been posted - more, they're in a position to do so much good for the world, and I hope they can do that instead of optimizing for clicks.
  - DoreenMichele 9y ago
    I meant you shouldn't blame yourself. It is a very hard problem to solve.
    - hirsin 9y ago
      Very much agreed on all counts. Thank you

by hirsin 9y ago

DoreenMichele 9y ago

If it is any comfort, people who are suicidal typically have pretty serious problems, often including brain wonkiness. I am sometimes suicidal. I have extremely good support. My adult sons don't leave me alone when I am suicidal, because most suicides occur while alone, so simply having company is a deterrent. But they also don't bother to try to reason with me because I am not rational at such times. There is no convincing me that my warped perception of my life is completely unrealistic. Rebutting my crazy statements with facts to the contrary makes zero difference. I'm sorry for your loss. And I agree that this is something social media has an obligation to do better on.

hirsin 9y ago
I appreciate the kind words. Yes, it's certainly not social media's sole fault, and as others have said down thread, there have always been other ways of keeping in touch. I certainly don't blame Facebook for not showing me anything that may have been posted - more, they're in a position to do so much good for the world, and I hope they can do that instead of optimizing for clicks.
- DoreenMichele 9y ago
  I meant you shouldn't blame yourself. It is a very hard problem to solve.
  - hirsin 9y ago
    Very much agreed on all counts. Thank you