Snapchat to launch emotional support function, ‘Here For You’Snapchat Phone

Snapchat to launch emotional support function, ‘Here For You’

In the coming months, Snapchat will roll out a new mental health tool called “Here For You” on its platform. The search tool will offer helpful intervention and surface “safety resources” from mental health experts when users search for sensitive key topics, including anxiety, depression, suicide, bullying, and more. The social media company announced its plans to launch the initiative on Tuesday, February 11.

“Privacy, safety, and ensuring the well-being of our community are deeply rooted in our values and product philosophy. Snapchat was built with privacy at its core — starting with ephemerality — and designed to let people be themselves, without the pressure of being judged by others,” stated the company in its blog post.

The new function will detect when a user searches for a phrase such as “thinspo” which may suggest pro-anorexia content. Snapchat then intervenes with content from experts. “Here For You” may be particularly important in the context of Snapchat’s young audience, with the platform reaching 90% of 13-24 year olds.

H/T: The Verge

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