New Facebook System Describes Photos To People Who Are Blind
(CBS) – More than 2 billion photos are shared on Facebook and other social media sites every day. Imagine not being able to see any of those pictures.
For years, that's been the reality for people who are blind. But as CBS 2's Mai Martinez reports, Facebook has found a way to include them.
"I think it's a great step forward," is what Sandy Murillo says about Facebook's new automatic alternative text.
It generates descriptions of photos by using object recognition technology. The automatic alternative text allows users to get a description of a photo simply by tapping it.
Before, Sandy would only hear a technical reference, such as "link graphic," when she came across a picture. Now, she hears more information, such as: "Brandon Garcia added six new photos, 'Feeling in love.'"
"It's not a lot, but at the same time, it is," she says.
The technology even describes "emojis."
Latisha Houston also feels it is a step forward for people who are blind.
The women say the technology also helps them feel included in the ever-growing social media world. They're grateful to Facebook for it, but Latisha has this message for the program's creators: "Keep up the good work, and there's always room for improvement."
The women say the only downside is they find themselves spending more time on Facebook.