pro social ai


The technological process is typically driven by the desire for money. Despite this motivation, technology should be leveraged for the good of society.

The same is true of generative and assistive AI. Yes, there are those intent on monetizing it or using it to reduce overheads, but it also has enormous potential in addressing some of the most pressing needs of our time.

One such example is creating a supportive AI application that can assess the specific situation of someone struggling with poverty. It provides the ability to address the personal and specific needs of individuals. Though poverty is a systemic issue, it is also an individual issue. Each person and each family faces a unique set of challenges; AI provides the opportunity to provide a customized, specific response to assist individuals in becoming independent and constructive members of society.

Social determinants of health (SDOH), which are factors that significantly impact people’s health, well-being, and quality of life, could be at the bedrock of this approach. These include language and literacy skills, safe housing, transportation, and neighborhoods; racism, discrimination, and violence; education, job opportunities, and income; access to nutritious foods and physical activity opportunities; and Polluted air and water.

The AI application could determine where the gaps are in relation to SDOH and then create a bespoke program specific to the individual. The breakthrough idea is not so much leveraging AI as focusing on the individual’s needs.

Creating standardized programs that are applied to all people is inefficient, can only meet some of the needs, and is therefore questionable in terms of effectiveness. Think about the distribution of food. A large number of people are provided with food with very limited personalization. Such an approach doesn’t take into account dietary needs, the availability of fridge and freezer space, and cultural sensitivities, to name a few.

A targeted approach not only minimizes wastage but also ensures that individuals receive exactly what they need. Take education, for instance. While the curriculum and teaching outcomes are standardized, what about students who grasp the material quickly? They risk becoming disengaged and not fully benefiting from the learning opportunity.

Such a personalized approach is efficient, creates more opportunities for effectiveness, and, from a social justice standpoint, honors humanity’s uniqueness.
Pro-social AI is committed to calling together experts and thought leaders to leverage AI for the benefit of humanity.