Melbourne, Oct 14 : A new research has found that social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace can be scanned for the depressed and "at risk" users under a new program to combat youth suicide.

Researches from New Zealand''s Victoria University believe the rise in popularity in social networking could allow authorities to spot users at risk and offer help.

They say they have devised a program that scans posts to identify key words that people aged between 18 and 24 are using, and going by the high proportion of key words, they can make out if a blogger is at risk of depression, suicide, self-harm or harming others.

"Our technology picks up words or phrases such as ''depressed'', or ''I don''t want to live any more'' or ''I want to kill somebody''," News. com. au quoted Dr Tiong-Thye Goh as saying.

"We analyse the database of phrases and rank them according to frequency of use - if certain key words are used a lot it is likely that the particular person may be emotionally depressed," he said.

Dr Goh said social networking sites are becoming an important outlet for those at risk of suicide.

"Social networking sites have in recent years become an increasingly popular avenue for young people to express and to share their thoughts, views and emotions," he said.

"When young people are emotionally distressed for instance, instead of the traditional channel of consulting friends, parents or specialists, social networking blogs may provide a channel to share and release their emotions and intentions," he explained.

Dr Goh said the project will also look at contacting those seen at risk.

"We are looking at sending a short message to these people and asking the question ''How are you?'' with three different response options - ''Good'', ''A bit down'', or ''Bad - need help'' and measuring its effectiveness," he said.

"The option of needing help would link to an appropriate website that provides useful information and links," he added.

There is no word when the program will start scanning as researchers indicate they are still refining the technology. (ANI)