Facebook employs artificial intelligence to identify warning signs of suicide

Facebook has started using a new artificial intelligence (AI) system to identify users showing warning signs of suicide. The AI has been trained to spot status updates and subsequent comments that could indicate someone was at risk. The algorithm would immediately send a report to a real reviewer, who could then contact the user with suggestions and resources to help if appropriate. At the moment, Facebook relies on a human reporting system regarding potential suicides, where friends of users can click a button to tell the company about concerning updates. But it is hoped more people will be helped by an automated system.