Meta, Snap, and TikTok Join Forces to Address Self-Harm Content in News Initiative
Meta, Snap, and TikTok Unveil Thrive Program
Meta is taking a stand against the proliferation of self-harm content by teaming up with popular platforms Snapchat and TikTok. Announced on Thursday, this initiative, termed Thrive, aims to prevent disturbing content related to suicide from circulating across these major social media sites. Developed in collaboration with The Mental Health Coalition, Thrive represents a significant step toward promoting mental health and safeguarding users.
How Thrive Works
- Thrive enables Meta to identify content with suicidal themes and flag it for Snapchat and TikTok.
- A dedicated database will support all participating companies in addressing harmful content.
- Meta's technology, in cooperation with the Tech Coalition’s Lantern program, ensures data is shared securely.
Key Points Highlighted by Meta
Meta emphasizes that this initiative is focused on the content, not the users. According to Antigone Davis, Meta's global head of safety, “We’re prioritizing this content because of its propensity to spread across different platforms quickly.” The system assigns a specific hash to identified harmful content, allowing other social platforms to locate and remove identical materials.
Addressing Concerns with Social Media
These collaborative efforts come amidst growing scrutiny of how social media impacts teenage mental health. Research from the National Library of Medicine points to increased risks of depression and suicidal ideation linked to heightened social media engagement among minors.
Earlier this year, Meta announced proactive measures to limit sensitive content from featuring in teenagers’ feeds and concealed search results associated with suicide and self-harm. From April to June, Meta reported removing 12 million pieces of alarming content across Facebook and Instagram.
Support Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, resources are available. Reach out by calling or texting 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. Further assistance can be found at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
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