TikTok announced a slew of new features on Tuesday aimed at assisting users dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation. These include well-being guides, an eating disorder support guide, and a search intervention feature that will direct users to support resources when they search phrases like #suicide.
TikTok announced the new features in response to a Wall Street Journal investigation that stated Facebook's Instagram app could be hazardous to kids' mental health in certain conditions.
"We're proud that our platform has become a place where people can share their personal experiences with mental well-being, find community and support each other, and we take very seriously our responsibility to keep TikTok a safe space for these important conversations," said Tara Wadhwa, TikTok's US director of policy.
A Pakistani youngster died earlier this year while faking his own murder as his buddies shot a TikTok video. In January, another Pakistani teenager was murdered by a train, and a security guard died last year while toying with his weapon while preparing a clip.
TikTok issued a warning at the time, noting that it is trying to delete and prohibit users who attempt to post footage regularly.
This month, the app has set aside one week to promote mental health awareness and activities. The platform will feature information generated by members of the community and professionals and additional resources to help users.
"Our policies have always aimed to prioritize people who may be struggling, and we currently provide access to expert emotional help from global leaders in the field, alongside approved government resources. This is a continuously evolving process, and we will build on our existing array of well-being guides wherever possible, through insightful, verified information," Farah Tukan, a public policy manager at TikTok, was quoted as saying by Arab News.