Can Facebook updates predict suicide? - Blog

Posted on: 29-07-2013

We already know that Facebook's data-mining capabilities are, for better and for worse, extremely powerful.

On the dark side of Facebook data mining, we've seen how the network has used uploaded contacts to create shadow profiles of both users and non-users alike.

On the positive side of its data-mining abilities, we've also seen how Facebook can automatically analyze relationships and chat content to catch would-be child molesters.

Now, Facebook is joining with researchers to put its data mining to use for good in a new way: to figure out whether it's possible to discern suicidal thoughts by sifting through the social media streams and risk factors of volunteers.

The project will collect mobile data, including user location, and anonymized text-messaging content, as well as social networking profiles such as those on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Read full article on Sophos Naked Security

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