I don't know if "A boy" (the confused, sexually abused foster care teenager who is saying his goodbyes in the adolescent section this morning) is on the level, but he isn't the first user to talk about taking his own life, and it seems like if Yahool can scan for vulgarities and abusive language, it can scan for suicide references and react accordingly, or at least provide a panic button we can click on, besides the "abuse" button, to get their attention and maybe track the user down by his URL or something.
If "A boy" is real and something bad happens to him, it will be matter of technology failing us and not living up to its potential.
Any thoughts?
2007-03-12 06:38:02 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Emily: I didn't mean that anyone should click the abuse button, just that there should be some similar way to get Yahoo's attention.
But the rest of you are right, there isn't much that can be done here, even if Yahoo knew. I belong to a support group for families who have lost a child, and it's just so frustrating and wrenching to read entries like that and not be able to help. I did give him the Trevor Project number, but his post was already several hours old when I read it. If he does do something bad, I just hope he isn't successful.
I'm trying not to cry at work, but it isn't easy.
2007-03-12 07:02:17 · update #1
If I ever find emotionally troubled people, I try to give them the best advice I can, even if it's just a few words of comfort. As for your other suggestion though, this ain't the samaritans
2007-03-12 06:41:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
It seemed like he was crying out for help. Yahoo is poor at scanning for offensive language at the best of times though, and some people who mention suicide may be researching the topic or talking about a family member etc. I'm not sure if they are organized enough to help, even if they wanted to.
2007-03-12 13:45:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree, its scary, I have come across a few too. But I am not sure that Yahoo could do anything. After all, we are supposed to be posting on here anonimously. When things like that happen, you do your best to give some sage advice and get them some help, and hope for the best. If you are lucky you may have made someone's day. That is really all you can do.
2007-03-12 13:51:37 · answer #3 · answered by The One and Only 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am not a lawyer, but I think we have a "plausible deniability" issue... if they were to see the problem, they would need to address it . That's why I always laugh when someone puts in the "Know your source" section their supposed credential. I assure you NO ONE with a brain who is a "Licensed reporter" is going to list their credential. If I just say something, I am just some guy saying something.. but if I tell what I do for a living, then I am opening myself up.
ANYWAY.....
I agree, that yahoo should have a way of letting us (as non professionals) let them know when something needs attention right away.
2007-03-12 13:46:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a very serious issue, but I'm not sure it's one of technology. Suppose Yahoo does track the IP address of the contributor. Then what? There's not much they can do but send them a number to call, or a website to visit. It's better than ignoring it, true, but ultimately the ball is out of Y!A's court.
2007-03-12 13:43:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Out of the thousands of questions that yahoo gets a day, it would be an impossible task to scan. Then you'd have to wonder if it's just some kid talking smack for attention. I just don't see how Yahoo could do this, or even answer the thousands of questions I'm sure they get everyday. Best of luck to you.
2007-03-12 13:43:32 · answer #6 · answered by cajunrescuemedic 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't think reporting abuse is the best solution: They delete those questions without reading them. Kicking off the question would be VERY detrimental and potentially dangerous to these kids. We can do the best we can to always give numbers and support. I have found almost all good, kind answers to the people who need it. Let's not delete these questions: They may be a person's only way of reaching out!
2007-03-12 13:45:29 · answer #7 · answered by Emily H 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I believe you are right. Maybe Yahoo Answers should have a way to detect those who post question regarding contemplation of suicide. But for now, it depends on all of us to refer those with suicidal tendencies to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or tell them to visit their website at: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org .
2007-03-12 13:49:23 · answer #8 · answered by David G 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, those posts make me nervous but it's very hard to tell how serious they are.
I'm not sure Yahoo can do anything even if they wanted to.
2007-03-12 13:41:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if we should do that. people may report all questinos about suicide.
yahoo already won't allow pro-choice suicide views.
2007-03-12 14:10:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋