Gyeonggi Province is pioneering a compassionate approach to combat the phenomenon of solitude deaths, particularly amongst individuals living alone. The provincial government has adopted an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system designed to mitigate such tragedies through proactive measures.
This fresh service involves AI checking in with individuals once per week via phone calls, scanning for any behavioral or consumption patterns that might signal potential risks; notably, the technology assesses utility usage data, such as electricity, water, and telecommunications consumption. A sudden cessation or reduction in these activities may necessitate a welfare consultant to pay a personal visit to ensure the individual’s well-being.
The deployment of this lifesaving service requires the procurement of telecommunication data from major providers such as Korea Electric Power Corporation, SKT, and KT. The data is analyzed every morning to predict the levels of risk and to send notifications accordingly, customized for each situation.
To complement these measures, the government offers a weekly AI-generated phone call service to check on these individuals, inquiring about their meals and general health. Furthermore, they manage an integrated care platform that all stakeholders – from beneficiaries to welfare officials – can access for real-time information and monitoring.
A new dimension will be added this year by incorporating smart device usage, especially from smartphones, to enhance predictive data and thus preemptively address at-risk cases. Although initially available only for users of specific utility providers and telecommunications companies, plans to broaden the service include evaluating smartphone power status and activity levels.
Gyeonggi Province projects that leveraging AI technology will surpass mere technical advancement, envisioning it as a step towards a society where all residents can live conveniently and securely. This innovation underscores the commitment to using technology for creating social value and fostering an inclusive, safe community.
Current Market Trends:
The use of AI for social welfare and personal health monitoring is a growing trend across the globe. The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) and machine learning to monitor the well-being of individuals, especially the elderly and those living alone, is becoming increasingly popular. In many countries, AI technologies are being deployed for remote health monitoring, predictive healthcare, and personalized contact services to provide social support.
Smart home devices, wearables, and mobile applications are now being used more frequently to assess health metrics and lifestyle patterns. These technologies can alert healthcare providers and social welfare officials to changes in behavior that may indicate health or safety risks.
Forecasts:
The market for AI in healthcare and social services is expected to expand significantly as populations in developed countries age and the number of single households increases. As the technology matures and becomes more sophisticated, its adoption is anticipated to provide more personalized and efficient services, which could lead to increased demand and further innovation.
Key Challenges or Controversies:
One of the main controversies surrounding the use of AI in monitoring individuals is privacy. The collection, analysis, and storage of personal data pose significant risks if not managed properly. Ethical concerns regarding consent, data security, and the potential for abuse must be addressed to gain public trust.
Another challenge is ensuring the inclusivity of such technologies. The need for accessibility for those who may not be tech-savvy, such as senior citizens, requires intuitive interfaces and systems that do not isolate further the very individuals they are meant to help.
Advantages:
– Proactive Health Monitoring: AI systems can identify deviations in patterns and behaviors, allowing for early intervention in cases where health risks may be present.
– Reduction of Isolation: Regular AI-driven communication can help mitigate feelings of loneliness and provide a sense of safety and connection for individuals living alone.
– Societal Savings: By preventing severe health events and solitude deaths, these systems may reduce the burden on emergency services and healthcare systems.
Disadvantages:
– Privacy Concerns: The use of AI requires the collection of personal data, which could infringe on the individual’s right to privacy.
– Depersonalization: Heavy reliance on AI may result in less personal contact with welfare officials, potentially reducing the human touch in social services.
– Technology Limitations: AI is not foolproof and may miss subtle cues that a human welfare consultant would pick up on, potentially leading to gaps in service.
For further information on the broader context of AI adoption in social services and healthcare, you might explore the following links for a more extensive understanding:
World Health Organization
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Each of these organizations often discusses the implications, research, and guidelines around emerging technologies, including AI, and how they intersect with social and welfare issues.
The source of the article is from the blog macnifico.pt