How Can AI And Exponential Technologies Increase Mental Wellbeing?

We often talk about the negative effects from technology on our mental health. We know that we spend more time in front of a screen and that it have an impact on how we are feeling in todays society. However, this Friday I was in a panel at the Women in Tech conference where the topic was how new technology actually can be a solution and not only a problem. In this blog post I will summarize some thoughts about the topic.

First of all, just to understand how people are actually feeling today I want to talk a little bit about the statistics. I knew it was bad but these numbers actually chocked me. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that in in Europe 44.3 million people suffer with depression and 37.3 million suffer with anxiety. About 15.5% of the global population is affected by mental illnesses and the number is increasing. In US, one of every five adults experienced mental illness in 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I think this is crazy and something needs to be done!

Something exciting that is happening right now is that people have started to working on a way to incorporate AI into psychiatry. For instance, there is a team of researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder who are working to apply machine learning AI in psychiatry, with a speech-based mobile app that can categorize a patient’s mental health status. Speech and mental health are closely linked. For example, talking in a monotone can be a sign of depression. However, these signs might sometimes be to subtle for a human to pick up on them which is why an AI algorithm might to it better. 

According to psychiatrists interviewed by TIME there will be about five to 10 years before algorithms are routinely used in clinics.

Here are some of the benefits of using AI in psychiatry:

Better access

AI provides a tool that an individual can access all the time instead of waiting for an appointment from a human.

Better price

AI tools could offer a more affordable solution.

Less embarrassing

Patients are sometimes embarrassed to reveal problems to a therapist they’ve never met before and could them let down their guard more easily with AI-powered tools.

Here are some exciting startups that are using technology to increase mental well being:

1. Zebrain - Zebrain’s unique platform and online service makes coaching available to everyone. A behavioral analysis matches your behavioral profile, your needs and your goal to a coach. We have tried it ourselves and loved it!

2. Bluecall - Therapist call/chatting app. A great way to easily get the help and support you need! 

3. Mindler - Psychology online.

4. Remente - Track your personal development. I use this app every day to track my habits and goals within personal development!

5. GoFrendly - Dating for friends to decrease loneliness. This app encourage meaningful relationships and actually meeting people in person which is why it is a great example of how technology can increase our mental health. Studies has shown that feeling lonely can actually just be as severe for our health as smoking.

6. WarOnCancer - Mental health of everyone affected by cancer.

7. Calm and Headspace - Popular meditation apps. Calm has 40 million downloads and Headspace has over 31 million users. I think meditation is one of the best ways to practice mental training and apps are a great way to start. A fun fact is that Headspace recently has Headspace recently has acquired an AI company so your phone could soon be your meditation coach. For instance you could tell Headspace you're “stressed out,” and the app can then make a recommendation based on your history in the app.

8. Whoebot - A chatbot which was created at Standford University for their college students which is now available for the public. It's kind of like an emotional assistant within the field psychotherapy. The goal is to create a therapeutic relationship of trust, connection, and a patient’s belief that someone understands and cares about their feelings, thoughts and experiences. Woebot reminds you that it will check in every day, and a session ends with the app offering an element of positive psychology, for example practicing gratitude. Think this is a great idea!

Would be interesting to hear your thoughts about this topic!

Have a great day!