So, my friend is going through a tough time with her boyfriend, and this pop-up appeared on her iPhone. I know these devices listen, but is this a setting or something else? I can’t find anything online about it.
This looks like it’s a pop-up from Facebook, not from Apple. It would’ve been triggered if Facebook detected a comment, message, or post where your friend might be indicating self-harm or thoughts about taking their life.
@Sage
Or it could have come from any Meta app: FB, Instagram, Threads, Messenger, WhatsApp. Or maybe even something from Google if she searched for something recently.
Valen said:
@Sage
Or it could have come from any Meta app: FB, Instagram, Threads, Messenger, WhatsApp. Or maybe even something from Google if she searched for something recently.
But WhatsApp is encrypted, right? How would it know what’s being said?
@Leith
WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted, but the app itself is the ‘end.’ It’s possible they have a feature that scans for certain keywords before the message is encrypted and sent.
@Leith
Just because it’s encrypted doesn’t mean it can’t be processed on the device first. Like with photos, you can search for things in them, even though they can’t ‘see’ them. Plus, WhatsApp encryption is e2e until you report someone, then they magically review the last 5 messages.
@Aki
Thanks for explaining .
@Sage
I think there’s also a way to report on Facebook if someone might need help. Maybe one of her friends clicked that option.
Madden said:
@Sage
I think there’s also a way to report on Facebook if someone might need help. Maybe one of her friends clicked that option.
Yes, that’s probably how it happened.
@Sage
Thank you! I didn’t even realise that. We were on the phone when it popped up.
Koa said:
@Sage
Thank you! I didn’t even realise that. We were on the phone when it popped up.
Happy cake day .
Koa said:
@Sage
Thank you! I didn’t even realise that. We were on the phone when it popped up.
Happy cake day .
@Sage
I got this pop-up after sharing that my dad and dog were diagnosed with cancer within a week of each other. It wasn’t about wanting to harm myself, but the system may detect if you’re going through something heavy.
@Sage
I think you can also report profiles or content and ask Meta to reach out to the person if you’re worried something’s happening. Maybe that’s the case here.
@Sage
Doesn’t this forum have a similar feature? I think I got a message from here once because someone reported one of my comments as harmful. Guess they were right about me being a little too sarcastic!
I’ve seen this before on Instagram, like someone else said, it’s probably one of Meta’s apps. I hope your friend finds some peace soon.
I got that pop-up once a couple of months ago. I had been searching for ways to end my life or maybe I asked Siri about it. I didn’t pay much attention to it, but it definitely made me think, at least someone cares, even if it’s a bot. If your friend is going through a rough time, make sure to reach out and offer your support.
@Vere
I hope you’re okay. Life is tough sometimes. Just remember, you matter. I’m glad some of these apps are sending these messages. It might help even one person.
Please make sure you talk to your friend. If she’s struggling, she really needs your support. If it gets worse, please contact someone or a helpline. Go out, spend time with her, and help her through this tough situation with her boyfriend.
@Zeke
Thanks for the reminder. You’re absolutely right. I’ve been there before, and I’m doing everything I can to support her. I didn’t even think about it being Facebook, but now I get it.