In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become this overarching buzzword that we hear in every walk of life. Though the possibilities of AI are infinite, one application that has been making waves is using AI for social good. With the sheer amount of data that an AI model can process, it’s not surprising that it has become a useful tool for tackling complex social challenges. In this article, let’s explore what AI for social good means and how we can leverage it to make a positive impact.
### The Basics of AI for Social Good
AI for social good involves using artificial intelligence to solve social, humanitarian, and environmental challenges. It has become a useful tool for organizations and governments to pursue social justice, sustainability, and economic development. AI can be used to analyze big data and generate insights that can improve decision-making processes or help predict social and environmental risks. Additionally, AI can be integrated into various fields, such as health care, education, food security, and energy management.
### Examples of AI for Social Good
AI for social good has seen an upsurge in recent years, and there are several successful applications that we can look at. Let’s explore a few examples:
#### Health Care
When it comes to health care, AI has enormous potential. AI-driven diagnosis and treatment solutions can help doctors and health workers provide more accurate and timely diagnosis and care. One such example is the development of Kasturi AI, an AI-powered early cancer diagnosis system. Using machine learning algorithms, Kasturi AI analyzes X-rays and scans to detect malignant lumps in breasts much earlier than previously possible.
#### Humanitarian Aid
Humanitarian organizations face complex challenges in trying to deliver timely aid to disaster-hit areas. AI can help these organizations in the form of algorithm-based air transport systems. The AI system assists in the design of safe, efficient, and cost-effective transport operations that can be deployed in situations where access is limited. For example, in 2018, the United Nations World Food Programme partnered with Palantir Technologies to develop an AI platform geared towards smarter aid delivery.
#### Education
AI has significant potential to improve education by detecting gaps and enhancing outcomes. Various education-focused AI applications utilize machine learning and natural language processing to customize the student learning experience. At the same time, it can detect learning paths, categorize data, and inform decision-making. For example, Carnegie Learning uses AI to create personalized curriculums tailored to the individual student’s strengths and weaknesses.
### Pros and Cons of AI for Social Good
Like any technology, AI for social good has both pros and cons. Understanding both sides of the argument is critical if we are to embrace AI to its full potential.
#### Pros
The pros include faster and more efficient solutions, reduced human error, and the potential to scale up and create a larger impact. AI enables us to tackle social challenges that were considered impossible before, like early cancer detection or personalized learning experiences, to name a few. Additionally, AI and machine learning algorithms can process and interpret vast amounts of complex data; this helps us make informed decisions and, thus, create targeted interventions that are more effective in resolving an issue.
#### Cons
One of the most pressing concerns is the potential for job displacement. AI and automation can take over jobs that are deemed repetitive or that involve a considerable amount of data processing- tasks typically assigned to workers. This is likely to affect mostly workers with basic skill sets, who may struggle to adapt to the shifts in the workforce. Additionally, there is a growing concern about data security and privacy. Given that AI functions through large chunks of data, the risk of leaks or data misuse also increases.
### Conclusion: Using AI for Good
The possibilities of AI for social good are endless, as it presents an opportunity to tackle complex social challenges that we have been struggling with for years. Its potential application in health care, humanitarian aid, and education, among other areas, is immense. Additionally, it can also help us make more informed decisions and create targeted interventions that are more effective.
Like with any technology, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the pros and cons to ensure that we are using AI to its fullest potential for social good. By doing so, we can create a world where technology is not only advancing innovation but is also playing a role in solving the world’s most pressing social and environmental issues.