Chatbot Partners with Viacom’s LISTEN Campaign to Combat U.S. Addiction Crisis
New messaging platform Stndby provides personalized support via text, connects users to essential resources for prevention, treatment and recovery
SAN FRANCISCO, October 3, 2017 /3BL Media/ - Stndby, an innovative new messaging platform, customized for the LISTEN campaign, launched today to connect those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction to essential resources for prevention, treatment and recovery. By texting “LISTEN” (547836) on their mobile devices, users can begin a safe and anonymous online dialogue with Stndby’s chatbot to receive personalized help, including information about nearby treatment and rehabilitation facilities, addiction support group meetings, and other means of assistance.
The product’s unveiling dovetails with the efforts of LISTEN, a national campaign by global media company Viacom, to break down the shame and stigma attached to addiction and kick-start a conversation focused on solutions.
Said Sashka Rothchild, CEO and Founder of Stndby, “We asked ourselves, what would it look like for AI to transcend customer service and instead begin to support people through the ups and downs life inevitably sends our way. What if technology is able to feed, instead of drain us, make us feel more, instead of less connected. How can we help people build their own internal toolkits while navigating some of life’s biggest challenges. Because what could possibly matter more than connecting people who need support, to the support they need. This has to be the future of how we look at building tech.”
Said Kodi Foster, Senior Vice President, Data Strategy, Viacom, “We must continue to innovate our approach to combatting America’s addiction epidemic. This technology is a powerful new tool that can provide people with greater access to essential resources to assist them in overcoming the struggles of substance abuse. Viacom is thrilled to partner with Stndby, and expand the work of our LISTEN campaign to support those affected by this public health crisis.”
Chatbots, or AI messaging platforms, have been revolutionizing the way the public interacts with businesses and brands. These platforms transform the online experience to more closely mirror in-person interactions, combining the convenience of technology with the personalization of customized conversations.
For more information on Stndby and its partnerships, visit www.stnd.by.
For more information about the LISTEN campaign, visit www.heretolisten.com
About Viacom
Viacom is home to premier global media brands that create compelling television programs, motion pictures, short-form content, apps, games, consumer products, social media experiences, and other entertainment content for audiences in more than 180 countries. Viacom's media networks, including Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Spike, BET, CMT, TV Land, Nick at Nite, Nick Jr., Logo, Nicktoons, TeenNick, Channel 5 (UK), Telefe (Argentina) and Paramount Channel, reach over 3.9 billion cumulative television subscribers worldwide. Paramount Pictures is a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.
For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com. Keep up with Viacom news by following Viacom's blog at blog.viacom.com and Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/viacom.
About Viacommunity
Viacommunity is the umbrella effort representing all of Viacom's social impact programs.
Through the power of entertainment, Viacommunity works to inspire social change hand and hand with the people we serve, the employees we work with, and the communities in which we operate. Some of Viacommunity’s key areas of focus include building diverse and inclusive societies, promoting healthy living, inspiring future generations through education and empowering our employees with the tools, resources and freedom to truly make a difference.
