Pinterest sent tragic Molly ‘10 depression pins you might like’
SOCIAL media giant Pinterest sent Molly Russell emails headed ‘Ten depression pins you might like’ and ‘New ideas for you in depression’, an inquest was told yesterday.
Pinterest executive Jud Hoffman admitted the platform’s algorithm had not been good enough to stop the 14-year-old accessing self-harm and suicide material.
He said he ‘deeply regrets’ the harmful posts Molly viewed before her death in 2017, adding it was material he would ‘not show to my children’.
Asked whether the site was safer now, the head of community operarithms
‘Algorithm was in its early stages’
tions admitted similar material ‘still likely exists’ on it.
Molly, from Harrow, north-west London, was found dead in her bedroom in November 2017.
The inquest at North London Coroner’s Court is looking at whether algoused by social media to keep people hooked may have contributed to her death.
Her father Ian yesterday told the inquest that social media ‘helped kill’ his daughter and he warned the danger was still there for other children.
Mr Russell – a campaigner for internet safety – questioned why the ‘most advanced’ online giants still could ‘not find a way to help prevent the content reaching vulnerable children’.
Hundreds of millions of people use Pinterest to create collages on virtual pinboards featuring photos, videos and gifs. Molly, who opened her Pinterest account in January 2016, had several boards relating to her passions such as Harry Potter and Australian boy band 5 Seconds Of Summer. But in early 2017 she began posting and reposting ‘more distressing’ material about anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide. The inquest was shown the last post Molly saved on the site just over a month before her death.
The graphic image showed an arm with several cuts up and down with text overlaid about putting a blade to the wrist.
Just days before, Molly had saved a post with words to the effect that the poster did not want their parents to know they wanted to die.
In his witness statement, Mr Hoffman said the algorithm used to moderate content had been in its ‘early stages’ when Molly was using the platform.
As a result, it struggled to work out whether it was recommending harmless content, like boy band pictures, or material potentially far more dangerous, such as a razorblade or a ligature. The inquest continues.
For confidential emotional support, you can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@ samaritans.org.