Today, Facebook releases a crisis tool for those involved or related to someone in the military. The program -- not yet named -- aims to provide those serving in the military, military veterans and their families with crisis assistance and resources when content on Facebook is flagged as harmful or of a suicidal nature. This recently implemented tool is an extension of Facebook’s 'Lifeline' released in early December 2011. Lifeline allows friends to alert the Facebook network when another user is expressing thoughts of a suicidal nature.
Blue Star Families, a military support organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs have partnered with Facebook to release this service that provides individuals in the nation’s military with relevant crisis resources. Engineers at Facebook have created a way of assisting military members and their loved ones in times of trouble. When Facebook content is flagged, the individuals whose content is flagged will be sent military-specific resources, such as The Veteran Crisis Line. This effort is to ensure those that have served in any war get the care and compassion they deserve.
On May 10, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. Blue Star Families -- one of the companies that partnered with Facebook -- will participate in a Facebook live discussion aimed at discussing issues faced by military personnel, their families and veterans.
Crisis-Aiding Social Networking Apps
The Facebook Military Personnel Tool is Revolutionary
Trend Themes
1. Crisis Assistance Social Networking Apps - Social networking platforms can develop features to aid people during times of crisis or suicidal thoughts like Facebook's 'Lifeline' and 'Veteran Crisis Line'
2. Military-specific Social Networking Tools - Social networking platforms can develop tools specific to the needs of military personnel, veterans, and their families to enhance online support and resources
3. Collaboration Between Social Networking Platforms and Support Organizations - Social networking platforms can partner with government and military support organizations to provide better crisis assistance and resources through technology solutions
Industry Implications
1. Social Networking - Social networking platforms can integrate crisis assistance features, such as flagging harmful content and offering tailored resources for military personnel and their families, to improve user experience and mental health
2. Military and Veterans Services - Military and veterans services can explore technology solutions, including social networking, to provide additional support and resources for their community experiencing crisis and mental health issues
3. Government and Nonprofit Organizations - Government and nonprofit organizations can collaborate with social networking platforms to leverage technology for offering crisis assistance support and resources, such as Facebook's partnership with Blue Star Families and the Department of Veterans Affairs