Snapchat’s “Here For You”
Snapchat launched a new set of wellness and mental health tools, including a search tool called “Here For You” sources tells Axios. The ultimate goal of this would be to ensure that searches for terms that suggest someone is struggling with their mental health would lead to accurate and constructive content like depression, suicide, and anxiety.
Features of “Here For You” Tool
Snapchat’s ‘Here For You’ feature will have a separate section within Snapchat’s search results. When users enter the types in words which could imply that they need help with health and wellness issues.
- This feature includes mental health experts, as well as content from partners on topics such as anxiety, mental health, and suicide.
- For example, if a user were to type the word “anxiety” into Snapchat’s search function, it shows a new series “Chill Pill” would surface, as well as episodes of some of its other popular shows that show anxiety-relieving videos.
- It also surfaces Snapchat’s original programming from Snapchat that talks about issues like suicide or depression in a constructive way.
Snapchat Explained “We’re starting with a new feature, called Here For You, that will provide proactive in-app support to Snapchatters who may be experiencing mental health or emotional crisis, or who may be curious to learn more about these issues and how they can help friends dealing with them. Here For You, which will roll out in the coming months, will show safety resources from local experts when Snapchatters search for certain topics, including those related to anxiety, depression, stress, grief, suicidal thoughts, and bullying.“
Health and Wellness Features on Other Social Platforms
Many social media platforms are starts to invest in health and wellness areas to ensure the wellbeing and loyalty of their users.
- Pinterest introduced emotional wellness activities like deep breathing exercises for users searching for resources around matters like anxiety or stress.
- Instagram has focused heavy resources on combating bullying on its platform and has worked to expand its suicide content ban.
Nowadays, many Snap users engaged with lenses, filters and creative tools that promote safety and privacy, which include new Filters and our first-ever Snappable quiz. Snapchat encourages all users to check out these new Filters and their quiz features to create a safer internet!
Helpline Number for Suicide Prevention
If anyone struggling with mental health issues, there are always lots of people ready to help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers a free phone service on 1-800-273-8255 and a live online chat facility.