Hyderabad: Artificial Intelligence to prevent suicide, depression

Hyderabad: Artificial Intelligence (AI), more popularly known as machine intelligence has been feared due to the thought that humans might lose power over machines however the benefits of it are plenty, said experts. With Facebook recently updating their AI algorithm in such a way that suicidal thoughts can be detected, the scope of AI in prevention of suicide was debated upon.

Prof Ramesh Loganathan, an AI expert, said, “Technology is just a tool. What is done with it depends just on the person or organisation building it. Today’s technology allows detecting  emotion, that is beyond words, using non-verbal cues like tone, expressions, gestures and others.”

According to experts, algorithms can be programmed to pick up even subtle variants in tone, even when one is typing. Normal depression indicator words such as ‘sad,’ ‘self harm’ and even ‘feeling down’ are used as indicators for warning signs. However, a sudden dip such as less activity online, less usage of emotions and all can also be caught by AI. With early detection, depression, suicidal thoughts and others can be cured much easier. Similarly bullying, hate speech and others can also be tracked by AI. 

Prof. Vishwanath Tharun, said, “With AI, all one aspires to do is have our machines behave in an intelligent manner. By doing so, we can ensure full security of our data.”

He further said that a team of experts who can deal with issues such as suicide and depression should be able to take over once the problem is detected by AI. “One just needs to know what is wrong. If that early detection takes place, then human intervention can work wonders.”

AI can detect change which can be through monitoring social media or even through tools that can be in mobiles listening to conversations.  

With suicide being one of the leading causes for death globally, Facebook decided to roll out their updated AI tools to keep the online community safe. Experts stress the importance of educational institutions beginning more AI oriented courses. 

“Engineering institutions across the country should begin teaching AI as the benefits for it are many. In Healthcare alone, AI can help diagnose medical conditions that normally will need a highly trained doctor or radiologist's expertise which is not available outside large cities,” said Prof. Loganathan.