Facebook is rolling out a set of stickers and filters in honor of World Health Mental Day. The firm said they would be releasing a "Let's Talk" set of story filters to enable people to solicit conversations from friends who may be struggling to reach out for support.
"In honor of World Mental Health Day, and to help people have important conversations around mental health, we're releasing a 'Let's Talk' Stories filter on Facebook and Messenger," Facebook said. "Developed with input from the World Health Organization (WHO), the filter acts as an invitation for friends who might be struggling to reach out for support through Messenger."
Facebook is also releasing a new sticker pack on Messenger that is built around mental health. Facebook will donate $1 to a mental health organisation each time per sticker is used, up to $1 million.
"It's our hope that these tools will make it easier for people to begin conversations that can lead to support," the firm said.
Amid the negativeness surrounding Facebook and social media on mental health, you will agree with me that social media is the place where people freely express themselves, and Facebook wants to use this medium to help people who might be struggling find support but sure whom to reach out to.
Here's what the social giant had to say:
Social media is where people can turn to celebrate life's most joyous moments and seek support in some of the hardest. While an online community can provide invaluable support, we know that many find it uncomfortable to share personal feelings n a broad public setting.
Private messaging, on the other hand, can make it easier to talk about emotional or serious subjects, according to a survey Facebook conducted in the UK, US and Australia. Respondents said they could communicate more clearly and be more open when messaging versus in person. In fact, 80% of people surveyed said they felt they could be completely honest when messaging.