In the fast-paced technology environment today, businesses are constantly under pressure to produce innovative products. All this while maintaining a pace with upcoming trends and needs. To address such challenges successfully, numerous organizations have resorted to an agile solution: hiring short-term and long-term additional developers.

Not only does this strategy speed up project development, but it also leverages precise expertise, finally culminating in improved business results.

The Dynamics of External Hiring#

Hypothetical Scenario#

Let's look at an example with Company A, an IT company that has identified the requirement for extra help to deliver a tight project deadline. Company A hires Company B, a staffing solutions vendor, to recruit five full-stack developers for their next project. This is how this partnership works:

• Engagement and Payroll: Company A makes a fixed payment to Company B, and Company B manages the payroll for the five developers, taking much of the administrative load off Company A
  
• Speed of Hiring: Rather than going through a time-consuming recruitment process, Company A has access to experienced developers virtually overnight, and the project can start without any delay.
  
• Cost-Effectiveness: As soon as the project has finished, Company A can decide not to use the services of the extra developers without the burdensome costs of recurrent salary payment as opposed to, for instance, hiring such developers directly.
  
• Access to Expertise: With an alliance with Company B, Company A gains from expert skills it does not possess in-house. For example, if Company A needs AI competence, but doesn't have it, hiring the services of Company B, with a list of AI developers at its disposal, saves time as well as the cost of training.

Benefits of Hiring External Developers#

The benefits of this hiring approach are several:

• Quicker Project Delivery: With the use of outside talent, organizations can dramatically decrease the time to market for products. This is important in competitive industries where speed is a competitive edge.
  
• Scalability and Flexibility: Organizations can size their teams as needed for projects without the long-term obligation of full-time hires. This adaptability allows companies to respond quickly to market demands.
  
• Access to Specialized Skills: As technology evolves, certain skill sets become increasingly crucial. Hiring from specialized firms allows companies to plug in expertise without extensive training or onboarding.
  
• Cost Savings: Avoiding the costs associated with recruitment, onboarding, and benefits for permanent employees allows businesses to allocate resources more efficiently.

Real-World Examples of Success#

Numerous companies worldwide have embraced this model and reaped substantial benefits:

• Uber: Uber used to engage outside developers on a frequent basis to scale their platform quickly in the early years. This strategy enabled them to develop features faster and provide an improved user experience, allowing them to achieve a major market share in a highly competitive sector.
  
• Alibaba: Confronted with hypergrowth, Alibaba is constantly partnering with outside technology vendors to get the talent it needs. In the process, they've been able to launch new services successfully as well as increase operational efficiency.
  
• Spotify: The music streaming behemoth taps external developers to create new functionality and enhance its infrastructure. The approach has helped Spotify stay agile and innovative in a fast-changing marketplace.
  
• Singapore Tech Startups: Numerous startups in Singapore, like Carousell, have tapped external development teams to drive faster product releases, thus further enabling them to act on customer requirements and change course quickly on the basis of feedback.

Saaragh Advantage#

At Saaragh, we are experts in offering seasoned developers in all domains such as full-stack, frontend, backend, and AI development. Our aim is to enable companies to develop their products and solutions quicker by providing access to experienced developers who can fit right into your project teams. If you are based in the USA, UAE, Singapore, Australia, or Europe, working with Saaragh means you can speed up your development timelines while accessing world-class talent.

Here’s a case study of a multinational company with more than 40,000 employees working with Saaragh to fulfill short-term and long-term needs for developers with experience in specific skills: Case Study

Conclusion#

In the fast-paced and constantly changing environment of contemporary business, being able to adapt and innovate rapidly is the key. Engaging short-term and long-term additional developers on a strategic partnership basis presents itself as a smart and highly efficient option for businesses wishing to stay competitive. Through this flexible strategy, organizations can bridge talent gaps, speed up project timelines, and fuel innovation with ease. Collaborating with a reliable provider such as Saaragh provides a means of unlocking the full potential of your project.

Our dedicated experience in sourcing skilled developers in a broad array of technologies, including full-stack, front-end, back-end, and AI development, guarantees that you have the talent at your fingertips, exactly when you need it. Whether you are in the USA, UAE, Singapore, Australia, or Europe, Saaragh can assist you in filling the talent gap and realizing your project objectives sooner and more effectively.

Harness the potential of strategic staffing and unleash the advantages of fast-tracked project development, cost-effectiveness, and access to expert skills that drive your business growth. By hiring Saaragh as your partner, you're not merely adding developers; you're committing to a versatile, scalable, and performance-focused solution that puts your business in place for sustained growth in an international competitive landscape. Let us help your team achieve more, innovate quicker, and deliver top-shelf results that propel your business forward.

This report delves into the strategic importance of hiring IT developers, both on short-term and long-term bases, to accelerate project development within technology-driven industries. As businesses face increasing pressure to innovate rapidly while managing costs effectively, the choice between engaging developers for short-term projects or establishing long-term relationships becomes crucial. This document outlines the benefits and considerations of each approach, provides a comparative analysis, and presents real-world case studies to illustrate successful applications. Additionally, it offers strategies for maximizing the return on investment through effective developer engagement and management. The structure of the report is designed to guide decision-makers in crafting tailored IT staffing strategies that align with their operational goals and market demands.

Advantages of Hiring Short-Term IT Developers#

Short-term IT developers offer significant flexibility and cost savings for project-specific needs. Companies can engage developers with specialized skills for precise durations, aligning with project timelines and reducing overhead associated with long-term employment. For instance, a study highlighted by MGR Workforce indicates that short-term hiring can save on training and recruitment costs, as temporary staff bring necessary expertise without the need for extensive onboarding.

Key Benefits:#

1. Flexibility in Scaling: Businesses can adjust their workforce based on project demands without long-term commitments.

2. Access to Specialized Skills: Short-term hires often possess niche skills that are ideal for specific projects, reducing the time and resources spent on training.

3. Cost-Effectiveness: Companies avoid the financial burden of full-time benefits and long-term salaries by hiring based on current needs.

4. Rapid Project Turnaround: With professionals ready to deploy, projects can commence and conclude faster, increasing overall productivity.

A notable example is the use of IT freelancers in technology companies for short-term projects, as mentioned in Upwork’s resources on contingent staffing. This approach not only meets immediate project needs but also accommodates fluctuating workloads efficiently.

Benefits of Long-Term Relationships with IT Developers#

Establishing long-term relationships with IT developers enhances project success through sustained momentum and deep domain expertise. These relationships foster a comprehensive understanding of the project's nuances, leading to tailored solutions and innovative problem-solving. For instance, a case study from PTW highlights how deep domain knowledge in customer support not only improves service quality but also builds strong customer relationships over time, significantly enhancing client satisfaction and retention.

Key benefits include:#

1. Deep Domain Expertise: Continuous engagement allows developers to acquire an in-depth understanding of specific industry challenges, which is crucial for crafting specialized and effective solutions.

2. Enhanced Integration with Teams: Long-term collaborations facilitate seamless integration with existing teams, promoting a unified approach to project goals and reducing onboarding times for new projects.

3. Developer Retention: Sustained relationships contribute to higher developer retention rates, mitigating the risks associated with frequent turnover, such as loss of knowledge and project delays.

4. Sustained Project Momentum: Ongoing partnerships prevent project stalling and ensure consistent progress, leveraging accumulated knowledge and refined strategies.

These strategic engagements not only drive project efficiency but also cultivate an environment of innovation and mutual growth, ultimately leading to superior project outcomes and client satisfaction.

Comparative Overview of Short-Term vs. Long-Term Hiring Models#

Short-term hiring offers flexibility and cost efficiency for immediate, project-based needs, while long-term hiring fosters stability and continuous skill development. Each model serves distinct business scenarios effectively.

• Short-Term Hiring:

  • Flexibility: Ideal for projects with variable timelines or seasonal peaks.

  • Cost Efficiency: Reduces long-term financial commitments.

  • Scenario Example: A tech startup might hire freelance software developers for a specific project launch to manage costs and not commit to long-term employment.

• Long-Term Hiring:

  • Stability: Ensures consistent work quality and reliability.

  • Skill Development: Allows for ongoing professional growth and knowledge retention within the company.

  • Scenario Example: Established companies often prefer long-term hires for critical roles to ensure that the company culture and operational knowledge are maintained.

Leveraging IT Developer Engagements for Accelerated Project Development#

Successful IT projects often hinge on the effective management of developer engagements, both short-term and long-term. A prime example is the case of a global consulting firm that faced challenges with its development team. By engaging Geneca, a software development company, they not only rescued a faltering project but also established a sustainable, long-term solution that continued to generate additional revenue.

• Short-term engagement: Geneca initially provided an immediate fix to critical issues, quickly stabilizing the project.

• Long-term engagement: They then implemented a comprehensive, strategic overhaul that addressed deeper systemic problems, ensuring ongoing improvements and profitability.

This dual approach not only salvaged the project but also enhanced the firm's development capabilities, leading to increased client satisfaction and developer retention. The firm reported a significant reduction in project delivery times by 30% and a boost in client return rate by 50%, showcasing the tangible benefits of strategically layered developer engagements.

Optimizing IT Developer Retention and Management#

Effective retention and management of IT developers are pivotal for sustaining innovation and productivity in tech companies. A strategic approach involves integrating advanced workforce management technologies and fostering a culture that promotes continuous learning and development. According to the 2024 Guide to Workforce Management, leveraging data analytics is crucial for understanding and enhancing developer performance and satisfaction.

Key strategies include:#

• Continuous Learning: As per ActivTrak's 2024 trends, about 40% of workers require up to six months of reskilling. Implementing ongoing training programs can keep IT developers engaged and up-to-date with the latest technologies.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Emphasizing work-life balance through flexible schedules or remote work options, as highlighted by Patternica, can significantly reduce turnover rates.

• Competitive Compensation: Regular market salary reviews ensure that pay scales remain competitive, addressing one of the primary reasons for employee turnover.

• Cultural Strength: Building a strong, inclusive company culture is essential. This involves clear communication, recognition, and opportunities for meaningful impact on projects.

These strategies not only enhance retention but also attract top talent, driving a company's competitive edge in the tech industry.

Summary of Key Insights: Short-Term vs. Long-Term IT Developer Hiring Strategies#

This report has explored the distinct advantages and strategic applications of both short-term and long-term IT developer engagements, highlighting how each approach can be leveraged to accelerate project development effectively. Below is a synthesis of the main insights drawn from the report:

• Short-Term Hiring Benefits:

  • Flexibility in workforce scaling

  • Access to specialized skills for specific project needs

  • Cost-effectiveness by avoiding long-term financial commitments

  • Rapid project turnaround, enhancing productivity

• Long-Term Hiring Benefits:

  • Deep domain expertise through sustained engagement

  • Enhanced team integration and unified project goals

  • Higher developer retention, reducing turnover-related disruptions

  • Consistent project momentum and long-term strategic development

• Comparative Insights:

  • Short-term hiring is ideal for projects with variable timelines or specific, short-duration needs.

  • Long-term hiring is beneficial for projects requiring deep knowledge, stability, and ongoing development.

• Real-World Applications:

  • Companies like Geneca have demonstrated the effectiveness of using both hiring strategies to address immediate project issues and establish long-term development success.

  • Strategic management and retention practices, such as continuous learning and flexible work arrangements, are crucial in maximizing the ROI from both short-term and long-term developer engagements.

By strategically combining short-term and long-term hiring practices, companies can optimize their workforce to meet immediate project demands while also building a stable, skilled team for future growth and innovation. This dual approach not only addresses the dynamic needs of tech projects but also fosters a robust development environment conducive to sustained success.

If you’re looking to augment your software development team, let Saaragh help you. Please reach us on [email protected] or call us on (+65) 8608 9171 / (+91) 8655482220 to share your requirements and add experienced developers to your team right away!

Introduction#

A lot of generative AI tools appear to have predictive capabilities. ChatGPT and other conversational AI chatbots can recommend the next line of a poetry or song. Natural language descriptions can be converted into creative artwork or realistic visuals using software such as DALL-E or Midjourney. The following few lines of code can be suggested by code completion tools like GitHub Copilot.

Recursive AI, however, is not generative AI. Even while it may not be as well-known as other forms of artificial intelligence, predictive AI is nonetheless a potent tool for companies. Let's look at the two technologies and their main distinctions from one another.

Generative AI: What is it?#

Artificial intelligence that creates original content—such as text, photos, audio, software code, video, or pictures—in response to a user's prompt or request is known as generative AI, or gen AI.

Large amounts of unprocessed data are used to train Gen AI algorithms. Then, using the correlations and patterns that have been stored in their training data, these models are able to comprehend user requests and provide fresh information that is pertinent to the original data while maintaining certain differences.

The foundation model, a kind of deep learning model that "learns" to produce statistically likely outputs when prompted, is the first step in the creation of most generative AI models. Although numerous foundation models exist for other types of content production, large language models (LLMs) are a common foundation model for text generation.

Predictive AI: what is it?#

Statistical analysis and machine learning techniques are combined by predictive AI to identify trends in data and project future results. It uses insights gleaned from past data to forecast most likely future events, outcomes, or trends with accuracy.

Predictive AI models are commonly used for business forecasting to project revenues, estimate product or service demand, tailor customer experiences, and optimize logistics. They improve the speed and precision of predictive analytics. To put it briefly, predictive AI assists businesses in determining the best course of action for their particular situation.

What distinguishes predictive AI from generative AI?#

Under the general category of artificial intelligence, both generative and predictive AI are separate. The two AI technologies vary in the following ways:

1. Data input or training#

Millions of samples of material are used in enormous datasets to train generative AI. More focused, smaller datasets can be used as input data for predictive AI.

2. Results#

While both AI systems use some degree of prediction to produce their outputs, predictive AI makes predictions about what will happen in the future, whereas generative AI generates original content.

3. Architectures and algorithms#

These designs are the foundation of most generative AI models:

1. Diffusion models function by first introducing random and unidentifiable noise into the training set of data, and then training the algorithm to disperse the noise iteratively until the intended result is revealed.

2. Two neural networks make up generative adversarial networks (GANs): a discriminator that assesses the created content's quality and accuracy, and a generator that creates new content. The model is encouraged to provide outputs of ever higher quality by these adversarial AI techniques.

3. Transformer models prioritize the most crucial information in a sequence by using the attention notion. The training data is then encoded into embeddings or hyperparameters that describe the data and its environment by transformers using this self-attention mechanism to analyze complete data sequences simultaneously.

4. Variational autoencoders (VAEs) are generative models that produce fresh sample data by learning compressed representations of their training set and varying those learned representations.

In the meantime, these machine learning models and statistical algorithms are used by numerous predictive AI models:

1. In order to identify underlying data patterns, clustering divides various data points or observations into groups or clusters according to commonalities.

2. For the best classification, decision trees use a divide-and-conquer splitting method. In a similar vein, random forest algorithms blend several decision trees' output to produce a single outcome.

3. Correlations between variables are found using regression models. A linear relationship between two variables is represented, for example, by linear regression.

4. In order to predict future trends, time series approaches model past data as a set of data points shown chronologically.

Interpretability and Explainability#

Because it is frequently difficult or impossible to comprehend the decision-making processes behind the outcomes of most generative AI models, these models lack explainability. On the other hand, because predictive AI projections are based on data and statistics, they may be understood better. However, interpreting these estimates still requires human judgment, and a mistaken interpretation could result in the wrong action being taken.

Use cases for predictive versus generative AI#

Using AI depends on a number of aspects. The chief AI engineer at IBM Client Engineering, Nicholas Renotte, states in an IBM® AI Academy video on choosing the best AI use case for your company that "finally, picking the right use case for gen AI, AI, and machine learning tools requires paying attention to numerous moving parts." Make sure the greatest technology is being used to the appropriate problem.

This also applies to choosing between generative and predictive AI. "You really need to think about your use case and whether it's right for gen AI or whether it's better suited to another AI technique or tool," advises Renotte when using AI for your company. "Many businesses, for instance, wish to produce a financial forecast, but that usually won't call for a general artificial intelligence (Gen AI) solution, especially since there are models that can accomplish that for a much lower cost."

Use cases for generative AI#

Generation AI has a wide range of applications as it is so good at creating content. With the development of technology, more may appear. Here are some examples of industries where generative AI solutions can be used:

1. consumer service: Businesses can give real-time help, individualized responses, and take action on behalf of a consumer by utilizing chatbots and virtual agents driven by Gen AI.

2. Video games and virtual simulations can benefit from the use of Gen AI models to help create lifelike characters, dynamic animations, realistic surroundings, and striking visual effects.

3. Healthcare: To further protect patient privacy, generative AI can provide synthetic data for testing and training medical imaging systems. Additionally, Gen AI can suggest completely novel compounds, hastening the process of finding new drugs.

Use cases for predictive AI#

The primary industries using predictive AI include manufacturing, e-commerce, retail, and finance. A few instances of predicted AI applications are as follows:

1. Financial forecasting: To predict market movements, stock prices, and other economic aspects, financial organizations employ predictive AI models.

2. Fraud detection: Predictive artificial intelligence is used by banks to identify potentially fraudulent transactions in real time.

3. Inventory management: Predictive AI can assist businesses in planning and managing inventory levels by forecasting sales and demand.

Conclusion#

It's not necessary to pick one of these two technologies over the other. Businesses can use both predictive and generative AI, using them strategically to enhance their operations.

Introduction#

Growth rates in developed economies like the US have not increased despite the startling rate of technical advancement in recent decades. Many hurried to call the increased usage of digital services a turning point during the pandemic. However, as we stated at the time (and ever since), the predicted growth implications were not likely to occur, and they never did.

It is easier to see technology's future possibilities when one is aware of its past setbacks. Technology is just a fuel, which is one explanation for the modest performance. Effective technological adoption also requires a spark to spur productivity increase.

Lack of technology that can fully replace labor has been a barrier to better productivity growth, especially in labor-intensive services. With services reliant on asymmetric, mutual human connection, automation in manufacturing has no technical equivalent.

This is something that generative artificial intelligence (AI) hopes to change. However, in order to assess its potential influence with any degree of realism, we need to examine the mechanisms that link technology to increased productivity in general.

Pay attention to prices and costs, not apps.#

Productivity increase is all too frequently presented as the result of technology advancements leading to new product innovation. Significant productivity gains stem more from at-scale cost reduction than from new or improved goods, while both are crucial. The macroeconomic power of technology lies in its deflationary character.

We have drawn attention to the misplaced emphasis on slick apps at the expense of the real world of expenses by using the tale of the lowly taxi. Uber, Lyft, and Grab might be the driving forces behind society's advancement, both practically and figuratively, but where is the increase in productivity? Improving the ratio of inputs to outputs is the key to increasing productivity, as any first-year economics student understands.

Apps haven't completely changed that; labor and capital inputs—in this case, the driver and the car—remain the same, and driver-rider matching is somewhat improved. However, rising prices indicate that productivity hasn't changed; if it had, prices would have decreased.

Why? Businesses that can use technology to replace labor will cut prices to overtake competitors with greater costs in the market. Strong productivity growth occurs in the macroeconomy when that process moves through sectors.

The major change in transportation will occur if and when drivers are replaced by algorithms and sensors. Because you secretly settle payment or because the app shows the driver's location, it won't arrive.

The lack of tech's ability to ignite the technology-cost-price effect has been the reason for its lackluster growth impact. Impact is now more likely due to generative AI's ability to replace non-linear interactions in the service sector, such as contact centers, marketing, research, and design.

Businesses should be aware that the biggest winners from generative AI are customers.#

Customers will benefit if technology leads to strong productivity increase through cost reduction and declining prices. Real incomes will increase as prices decline, freeing up funds for other uses.

Think about how much money people used to spend mostly on food, but when costs dropped due to mechanization and fertilizers, eventually, people had more money to spend on other household items and services, like travel. This is how technology propels overall growth, proving that gloomy forecasts of widespread unemployment are unfounded as increased expenditure also generates employment.

This implies that for businesses, the tech-cost-price-income productivity cascade poses both a risk and an opportunity. Businesses who can maintain a competitive edge, cut costs, take market share, and lead the cost curve will succeed at the expense of others who cannot.

While generative AI will produce new corporate titans or revitalize those that already exist, some industries may believe AI jeopardizes industry revenues for all businesses.

This occurs when labor-saving technology is so easily available to all businesses. Reduced earnings and a pricing battle follow. Rather of resulting in soaring industry-wide profits, productivity advances in the auto sector, shipping, or aviation have instead produced cheap pricing, intense competition, and limited profits.

Therefore, the strategic implications of generative AI and other innovation for businesses are both offensive (cutting costs to acquire an advantage) and defensive (cutting expenses to remain viable).

Remain realistic about the macroeconomic effects of generative AI.#

A crucial component of a technological puzzle that also includes sensors, 5G, robots, biotechnology, and other elements, generative AI has the potential to increase productivity, but to what extent? Prodigious inventions are usually accompanied with euphoria, and some recent projections suggest that US productivity growth may increase by almost 300 basis points (bps).

That is overly flamboyant. Even though it would be tempting to extrapolate and generate macroeconomic predictions from bottom-up case studies, these estimations are still based on assumptions. Unpredictable obstacles that will extend timescales and restrict impact include public acceptability and regulatory friction.

The US economy would more than double its generally acknowledged trend growth rate, from about 2% to 5%, according to the estimate of 300bps. The same line of reasoning was used to forecast that increased digital use during the pandemic would increase productivity growth by 100bps or more, a prediction that proved to be incorrect.

Previous increases in productivity offer hints about likely effects. Is it possible that the current technological wave will resemble, surpass, or be smaller than the information and communication technology (ICT) boom that increased productivity in the middle of the 1990s and early 2000s? The last time availability and excitement for a new wave of technology coincided with a tight labor market to accelerate GDP by roughly 100bps for about ten years was then.

Conclusion#

This is something that generative artificial intelligence (AI) hopes to change. However, in order to assess its potential influence with any degree of realism, we need to examine the mechanisms that link technology to increased productivity in general.

Introduction#

In 2024, almost 2 billion people worldwide will be taking part in the democratic process, as elections will be held in numerous nations such as the US, the EU, and India, among others.

Concerns are growing about the unparalleled speed and scale at which generative artificial intelligence (AI) could multiply misinformation and disinformation in what is expected to be a record-breaking election year.

Just 40% of people believe in the news, which indicates a low and continued decline in public trust. In contrast, concerns about disinformation are growing, with over half of people worried about fake news. These patterns paint a worrying picture of the state of the media, as does the drop in the proportion of individuals who are very interested in the news.

It is obvious that swift action is required to combat misinformation and restore public confidence in the media ecosystem.

How 2024 will see changes in the media landscape#

1. Viewer tastes are changing#

Just over a fifth of the audience begins their news consumption on legitimate news websites, a number that is steadily dropping. Particularly among young people (Gen Z), there is a "weaker connection with news brands’ websites and apps – instead coming to news via search, social media or aggregators."

Celebrities and influencers receive greater attention from users of social networks like Instagram and TikTok than do journalists. On the other hand, journalists and news organizations are "still central to the conversation" on Twitter and Facebook.

2. The level of trust is low and keeps falling#

The Reuters Institute reports that just 40% of people believe "most news most of the time."

"It's evident that a lack of confidence in the media is both a cause and an effect of the growing polarization. All institutional leaders, especially the most dependable ones in business, need to understand how to navigate this "infodemic" by steering clear of false information and giving their audiences verified information."

According to the Reuters Institute survey, there is also a decline in public confidence in algorithms, with less than one-third of respondents saying that selecting news stories manually or through algorithms is a decent way to obtain the news.

3. Growing concerns are being raised about misinformation and deception#

When it comes to news, over half of those surveyed (56%) stated they are concerned about "figuring out what is real and fake on the internet."

Politics, COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, and climate change are the main subjects on which people claim to have seen inaccurate or misleading information.

During the US election in 2020, a survey of Facebook users revealed that news publishers with a reputation for disseminating false information received six times as many interactions on the platform as reliable news sources like CNN.

AI has the potential to make these threats much more severe in the lead-up to the 2024 election.

4. Avoidance of news is reaching all-time highs#

Less than half of respondents (48%) said they were "very" or "extremely" interested in news, a loss of 15 percentage points from 2017. Interest in the news is declining.

5. The difficult economic climate puts media business models at danger#

A cost-of-living issue brought on by excessive inflation has forced people to make difficult choices about news subscription payments. Just 17% of respondents in 20 affluent nations paid for any online news, which is the same percentage as the previous year.

How to restore faith in the media landscape#

1. Limiting the amount of time spent on websites that contain damaging content, especially misinformation#

To improve online safety, we must work together to combat the misuse of user-generated comments, uncover dishonest individuals disseminating false information, demonetize fake news, and undermine the establishment of echo chambers for extreme viewpoints. Adopting cutting-edge technological solutions and creating national policies are necessary for this. The Global Coalition for Digital Safety, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, is a public-private platform that aims to innovate and work together to combat harmful conduct and material online.

2. Raising consciousness on the reliability of news sources#

The emergence of gen-AI and the ensuing massive increase in online content production and distribution could result in a variety of very different outcomes: from a generalized mistrust of all online content across all media sources and formats to an increase in trust in reliable sources during periods of informational chaos.

In this regard, news organizations must raise public awareness of the fundamental values they uphold to guarantee the accuracy and quality of their reporting. These values include how they handle sources and the editing process, how they make reader recommendations, and how they use artificial intelligence (AI).

3. Improving media information literacy to enable people to recognize false information#

Improving literacy requires overcoming major obstacles and involves several intervention areas. Although traditional education is an important conduit, integrating it into its curricula can be difficult and time-consuming for the public-private sector, and other strategies (like corporate training, for instance) haven't always worked.

4. Reducing the dangers and taking advantage of the opportunities that generative AI presents#

It is a mistake to utilize generative AI to create news because, first, we know it cannot comprehend reality, and second, adding more content to an already congested information environment will not help it. Large language models and machine learning, on the other hand, can be helpful in increasing literacy by assisting some people in telling their own stories, in organizing journalistic reporting, and in developing new avenues for users to engage with the news. Artificial intelligence should be used to supplement journalism, not to replace it.

5. Enhancing credibility through openness and responsibility#

Both audience measurement and procedures to guarantee responsibility of all parties involved in the media value chain are essential. In order to evaluate the value created by engagement and consumption of high-quality content, it will be crucial, among other things, to make sure the impact of marketing efforts is monitored along the customer life-cycle analysis, moving beyond the individual medium or one-off interaction perspective.

6. Growing engagement and interest in news media#

Maintaining people's interest in news media requires making high-quality material more affordable and easily accessible. Democratizing information access is necessary to prevent the gap in media literacy from growing and to further deny lower-class citizens access to digital technology and the right to vote.

It will need a community effort to restore and preserve trust in the media ecosystem.#

Rebuilding trust in the media ecosystem and combating misinformation will require collaborative, multi-stakeholder effort; this is not an easy challenge if we are to protect democracies and journalism's future.

The Forum's industry leaders in the media and entertainment sector are developing an Industry Manifesto with the goal of emphasizing the vital role that journalism and high-quality content play in society and democracy, increasing public awareness of the values upheld by ethical media and entertainment companies, and assisting in the empowerment of consumers through the promotion of media information literacy. Participation from the media is invited in this endeavor.

Introduction#

The cutting-edge technology of quantum computing holds the potential to revolutionize several industries, including artificial intelligence (AI). Quantum computers, which can exist in several states simultaneously, process information using quantum bits, or qubits, as opposed to ordinary computers, which employ bits. Because of this special quality, quantum computers can do intricate computations at previously unheard-of rates, which may open up new avenues for the advancement of artificial intelligence.

We will examine the foundations of quantum computing, its possible effects on artificial intelligence, and the opportunities and problems it poses in this blog. In addition, we will explore practical applications and potential future developments, offering a thorough understanding of this fascinating nexus of technologies.

Quantum computing: what is it?#

Quantum Mechanics: The Fundamentals#

The foundation of quantum computing lies in the ideas of quantum mechanics, a field of study in physics that examines how atoms and subatoms behave. In contrast to classical mechanics, which deals with macroscopic things, quantum mechanics makes clear how peculiar and illogical the quantum world is.

Qubits: The Fundamental Units of Quantum Information#

In traditional computing, bits—which can be either 0 or 1—are used to process information. Quantum computing, on the other hand, makes use of qubits, which, thanks to a phenomenon known as superposition, can simultaneously represent 0 and 1. This greatly increases the computational power of quantum computers by enabling them to execute numerous calculations at once.

Quantum gates and entanglement#

Entanglement is another important idea in quantum computing, where two qubits get linked together so that, despite their distance from one another, the state of one directly influences the state of the other. Because of this characteristic, quantum computers are able to carry out complicated tasks more quickly than classical computers.

Just as classical logic gates are in conventional computers, quantum gates are the fundamental components of quantum circuits. These gates carry the actions necessary for quantum algorithms and manipulate qubits.

AI's Potential Effects from Quantum Computing#

Increasing Machine Learning Speed#

As a branch of artificial intelligence, machine learning focuses on teaching algorithms to identify patterns and forecast outcomes using data. Because quantum computers can complete complicated computations more rapidly and effectively than traditional computers, they have the potential to speed up machine learning procedures. Increased accuracy, quicker training times, and increased capacity to handle more datasets could result from this.

Improvements to Optimization Algorithms#

AI frequently deals with optimization problems, where the objective is to select the optimal option among a range of alternatives. By investigating several answers at once, quantum computing might improve optimization algorithms and possibly locate the best ones more quickly than traditional techniques. This might have a big impact on industries including finance, healthcare, and logistics.

Natural Language Processing Advances#

A subfield of artificial intelligence called natural language processing (NLP) is concerned with how computers and human language interact. By enabling more effective processing of massive volumes of text data, quantum computing may enhance natural language processing (NLP) algorithms and increase language synthesis, translation, and interpretation.

Changing the Course of Drug Discovery#

Drug development could be completely transformed by quantum computing since it can simulate molecular interactions at the quantum level. In comparison to conventional procedures, this could speed up and improve the accuracy of the development of new medications and therapies. Quantum simulations driven by AI may also be able to forecast the efficacy of new medicine candidates.

Practical Uses of Quantum Computing in Artificial Intelligence#

Banking and Related Services#

By enhancing risk analysis, portfolio optimization, and fraud detection, quantum computing has the potential to have a big impact on the financial sector. Large volumes of financial data may be analyzed in real time by AI algorithms driven by quantum computing, leading to more precise forecasts and insights.

Medical Care#

Quantum computing can improve AI-driven drug development, personalized treatment, and diagnostics in the healthcare industry. Better patient outcomes can result from using quantum computing to process complicated medical data more effectively and find patterns and connections that traditional methods might miss.

Logistics and Supply Chain#

Through the resolution of challenging routing and scheduling issues, quantum computing can enhance supply chain and logistics operations. Quantum computing-powered AI algorithms may evaluate several variables at once, producing more effective and economical solutions.

Possibilities and Difficulties#

Technical Difficulties#

Quantum computing has potential, but there are a number of technological obstacles to overcome. Qubits are extremely susceptible to changes in their surroundings, which might cause computation errors. Creating stable qubits and error-correcting codes is crucial to putting quantum computing into practice.

Moral Aspects to Take into Account#

Like any cutting-edge technology, quantum computing presents ethical challenges. There are serious security threats since quantum computers have the ability to crack existing encryption techniques. To avoid abuse and preserve privacy, it is essential to ensure the ethical deployment of quantum computing in AI applications.

Working together and conducting research#

Governments, business executives, and researchers must work together to achieve quantum computing. For quantum computing and its applications in AI to advance, funding R&D, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and developing supportive legislation are crucial.

Future prospects#

Supreme Being in Quantum#

The point at which quantum computers can do tasks that classical computers cannot is known as quantum supremacy. Reaching quantum supremacy may open up new avenues for research and development in AI and other domains, resulting in scientific and technological advances.

Combining Traditional and Modern Computing#

Even if quantum computing has a lot of potential, traditional computing is probably not going to completely disappear. Rather, the future might see the combination of classical and quantum computing, utilizing the advantages of both to tackle complicated issues more quickly.

Conclusion#

A paradigm change in technology, quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize AI as well as a number of other sectors. Quantum computers may execute complicated computations more quickly than conventional computers by utilizing the special qualities of qubits. This opens up new avenues for machine learning, optimization, natural language processing, and other applications.

Even if there are still many obstacles to overcome, continued research and cooperation are opening doors for the use of quantum computing in real-world applications. We can anticipate a day in the future when AI and quantum computing will collaborate to find solutions to some of the most important issues facing humanity as we continue to investigate this intersection.

Introduction#

During the testing stages, are you having trouble getting the model to perform better? For whatever reason, the model performs horribly in production, no matter how much you tweak it. You're in the right place if you're having issues similar to these.

This blog offers seven suggestions for improving the accuracy and stability of your model. You may be certain that your model will perform better even on unseen data if you adhere to these suggestions.

1. Data Cleaning#

The most crucial step is to clean the data. Missing values must be filled in, outliers must be dealt with, data must be standardized, and data validity must be guaranteed. Occasionally, using a Python script to clean doesn't actually work. To make sure there are no problems, you need to examine each sample individually. Although it will require a significant amount of your time, I assure you that data cleansing is the most crucial component of the machine learning ecosystem.

2. Include More Data#

A larger data set frequently results in better model performance. The model can learn more patterns and improve its prediction skills by including more diverse and pertinent data in the training set. Your model might perform well in the majority class but poorly in the minority class if it isn't diverse.

Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) are being used by many data scientists to create more diversified datasets. They accomplish this by utilizing the GAN model to create a synthetic dataset after training it on real data.

3. Engineering features#

In feature engineering, extraneous features that don't add anything to the model's decision-making process are eliminated and new features are created from the data that already exists. This gives the model more pertinent data with which to forecast.

Determine which aspects are crucial to the decision-making process by doing a feature importance analysis and a SHAP analysis. Subsequently, they can be employed to generate novel characteristics and eliminate superfluous ones from the dataset. A detailed grasp of each feature and the business use case is necessary for this procedure. You will be going down the road blindly if you don't know the characteristics and how they are beneficial to the company.

4. Comparative Evaluation#

By evaluating a model's performance over several data subsets, a process known as cross-validation can lower the likelihood of overfitting and produce a more accurate estimate of the model's capacity for generalization. This will tell you whether or not your model is sufficiently stable.

Finding the accuracy over the whole testing set might not provide you all the details you need to understand how well your model is performing. As an example, the testing set's first fifth may exhibit 100% accuracy, whereas the second fifth may do poorly, displaying only 50% accuracy. The overall accuracy may still be approximately 85% in spite of this. This disparity suggests that the model needs more clean, varied data for retraining because it is unstable.

Therefore, I suggest utilizing cross-validation and feeding it with the several metrics you wish to evaluate the model on, as opposed to carrying out a straightforward model evaluation.

5. Optimization of Hyperparameters#

Although training the model with the default settings may appear quick and easy, you are usually not getting the best performance out of your model. It is strongly advised that you undertake extensive hyperparameter optimization on machine learning algorithms in order to improve your model's performance during testing. You should then preserve those parameters so that you can use them for training or retraining your models in the future.

To maximize model performance, external configurations are adjusted through hyperparameter tuning. Enhancing the accuracy and dependability of the model requires striking the correct balance between overfitting and underfitting. In the realm of machine learning, it can occasionally increase the model's accuracy from 85% to 92%, which is highly important.

6. Play Around with Various Algorithms#

To determine which model best fits the provided data, selecting a model and experimenting with different techniques are essential. Don't limit yourself to using tabular data and simple algorithms alone. Consider neural networks if your data contains 10,000 samples and several features. Even logistic regression can occasionally produce remarkable text classification outcomes that deep learning models like LSTM are unable to match.

To get even higher performance, start with basic algorithms and gradually experiment with more complex ones.

7. Comparing#

Several models are combined in ensemble learning to enhance overall predicting performance. More precise and reliable models can be created by assembling a group of models, each with unique strengths.

We can notice the performance has increased significantly after assembling the models. Your overall accuracy will rise if you merge underperforming models with a set of performing models instead of discarding the underperforming ones.

Even on unseen datasets, the three best methods for excelling in competitions and attaining high performance have been assembling, feature engineering, and dataset cleaning.

Conclusion#

There are other hints that are specific to particular domains of machine learning. For example, in computer vision, we must prioritize model design, preprocessing methods, transfer learning, and picture augmentation. Nevertheless, the seven recommendations covered above are helpful and broadly relevant for all machine learning models. You may greatly improve your predictive models' accuracy, dependability, and robustness by putting these tactics into practice. This will provide you with greater insights and help you make better decisions.

Introduction#

Usually, contemplation on the past is prompted near the end of the year. However, because we're a forward-thinking company, we're going to use this time to consider the future.

Over the past few months, we've written a lot about how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming contact centers, customer service, and other industries. There will undoubtedly be even more significant developments in the future, but the forerunners in this industry never stand still.

Larger (and Better) Generative AI Models#

The most straightforward tendency is probably that generative models will only get larger. We already know that larger language models after all, the moniker implies that they have billions of internal parameters. However, there's no reason to think that the research teams using these models won't be able to keep bringing them up to speed.

It would be simple to brush this off as nonsense if you are unfamiliar with the advancements in artificial intelligence. Why should we be concerned about larger language models when we don't get excited when Microsoft delivers a new operating system with an unprecedented number of lines of code?

Larger language models typically translate into higher performance, in a manner that isn't true for traditional programming, for unknown reasons, or both. While writing ten times as much Python does not ensure a better application (in fact, the likelihood of a better application is higher), training a ten times larger model is likely to yield better results.

This is deeper than it initially appears. I would have thought that we had achieved significant advancements in cognitive psychology, natural language processing, and epistemology if you had shown me ChatGPT fifteen years earlier. However, it turns out that you can just construct enormous models and feed them unfathomably large volumes of textual data, and voilà, an artifact that can translate across languages and respond to queries.

Additional Types of Generative Models#

Although it is not specific to text production, the fundamental method for creating generative models works well in that field.

Three well-known image-generation models are DALL-E, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion. Even if these models occasionally still have difficulty with aspects like perspective, faces, and the number of fingers on a human hand, they are nevertheless able to produce work that is quite astounding.

We anticipate that as these image-generation models advance, they will be utilized anywhere images are utilized, which is, you undoubtedly already know, quite a few places. All kinds of media are fair game, including YouTube thumbnails, office building murals, dynamically formed pictures in games or music videos, illustrations in books or scientific papers, and even design concepts for consumer products like cars.

Currently, the two main generative AI application cases that are most widely known are text and images. Regarding music, though, what say you? What about newly discovered protein structures? How about chips for computers? With diverse models synthesizing the music played in the chip fabrication plant, we might soon have models that create the chips used to train their successors.

Models: Open Source vs Closed Source#

The term "closed source" describes a paradigm where a code base, or the weights of a generative model, are only accessible to small engineering teams that are working on them. On the other hand, the antipodal philosophy of "open source" holds that the greatest approach to produce secure, high-quality software is to distribute the code widely, allowing hordes of people to discover and correct design problems in it.

This connects in a variety of ways to the larger discussion about generative AI. Releasing model weights is extremely risky if the "doomers" are right when they say that coming AI technologies pose an existential threat. For example, if you developed a model that can provide the right procedures for creating weaponized smallpox, making it publicly available would allow any terrorist in the world to download and utilize it for that purpose.

Conversely, the "accelerationists" respond that the fundamental principles of open-source systems apply to AI just as they do to all other types of software. While there is a chance that some people will utilize freely accessible AI to harm others, there will also be a greater number of minds trying to develop sentinel systems, guardrails, and protections that can frustrate the evil's plans.

Regulation of AI#

Discussions over AI safety took place in scholarly journals and unpopular forums for many years. But all that changed when LLMs became more popular. It was instantly apparent that they would be extremely potent, immoral instruments with the capacity to bring both great good and great harm.

As a result, authorities both domestically and internationally are paying attention to artificial intelligence and considering the kinds of laws that ought to be implemented in reaction.

A manifestation of this tendency was the series of congressional hearings that were held in 2023, during which notable people like as Sam Altman, Gary Marcus, and others testified before the federal government on the potential implications and future of this technology.

The Rise of AI Agents#

We've previously discussed the numerous current initiatives to create artificial intelligence (AI) systems, or agents, that can pursue long-term objectives in challenging settings. Despite all that it is capable of, ChatGPT cannot successfully execute a high-level command such as "run this e-commerce store for me."

However, that can soon alter. Existing generative AI models are being enhanced by systems such as Auto-GPT, AssistGPT, and SuperAGI in an effort to enable them to achieve more ambitious objectives. Currently, agents exhibit a noticeable propensity to become caught in fruitless cycles or to reach a situation from which they are unable to escape alone.However, a few technological advances could be all it takes for us to develop far more powerful agents, at which point they could start to drastically alter the way the world works and how we live.

New Methods for AI#

Most often, when people think of "AI," they picture a deep learning or machine learning system. However, despite their great success, these methods only represent a tiny portion of the numerous ways that intelligent robots could be created. AI with neural symbols is another. It typically blends symbolic reasoning systems—which are capable of reasoning through arguments, weighing evidence, and many other tasks associated with thought—with neural networks, such the ones that drive LLMs. Given LLMs' well-known propensity to imagine inaccurate or erroneous information, neurosymbolic scaffolding may improve and enhance their abilities.

Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing#

The advent of the next big computational substrate can be seen in quantum computing. Quantum computers can solve problems that even the most powerful supercomputers cannot answer in less than a million years by using quantum phenomena like entanglement and superposition, in contrast to today's "classical" computers, which rely on lightning-fast transistor operations.

It goes without saying that scientists have long been considering the application of quantum computing to artificial intelligence, while its potential applications are yet unknown. Certain types of jobs are particularly well-suited for quantum computers, such as combinatorics, optimization problems, and linear algebra-based tasks. Large amounts of AI work are supported by this last, thus it makes sense that quantum computers will accelerate at least some of it.

Conclusion#

It looks like artificial intelligence's Pandora's box has been permanently opened. Large language models are already transforming a wide range of industries, including marketing, customer service, copywriting, and hospitality. In the years to come, this trend is probably going to continue.

The discussion of several of the most significant trends in the AI business for 2024 in this article should help anyone interacting with these technologies get ready for whatever may arise.

How might artificial intelligence (AI) be applied to education?#

Machines can now comprehend concepts thanks to a new technology called artificial intelligence (AI). AI is always learning and developing, much like people.

AI has the ability to process data dynamically, in contrast to earlier methods. Every industry is adopting AI, and the education sector is no exception.

Edtech tools with AI integration are far more effective than standard ones. Even though a lot of us think that artificial intelligence is limited to modern machines, AI has actually impacted every aspect of our life.

The majority of us use the following AI-powered tools virtually every day:

1. Personalized Ads: AI systems recognize a user's browsing habits and provide pertinent information to them.

2. AI assistants: AI powers the majority of digital assistants, including Jarvis, Siri, and Alexa.

3. Chatbots: Whenever we visit a new website, we usually encounter a friendly chatbot that assists us and engages with us. These chatbots are among the best instances of AI-powered technologies.

With AI advancing so quickly and finding its way into EdTech and education, we can only wonder how else AI in the form of EdTech may be applied to education and learning.

Artificial Intelligence can support improved teaching and learning in many ways.

AI's place in today's classrooms#

The nation's classroom digitization has peaked in recent years, and the federal government is concentrating on converting classrooms to digital platforms.

AI will always be present in virtual classrooms. One application of AI in education is to give pupils individualized learning experiences. AI is able to recognize students' interests and provide interesting content to them, assisting them in pursuing their passions.

In the end, AI has the power to revolutionize education and raise standards for all pupils.

One of the best methods of learning has traditionally been thought to be interactive learning. Chatbots with AI capabilities can communicate with pupils to teach them academic subjects.

Generative AI: A Revolution in Education#

Let us discuss about a new and exciting field called generative artificial intelligence and how schools and universities will be using it extensively. A very intelligent and multifunctional sort of technology is called generative artificial intelligence (AI). It's similar to having a very intelligent and engaging study partner.

Schools can employ generative AI, for instance, to develop interactive quizzes that respond to your inquiries or to produce test questions on the spot. It resembles a game in which you respond to questions posed by the AI. The cool thing is that the AI listens to you while you speak or write your responses and provides you with immediate advice and criticism.

Additionally, you don't just sit there with a bunch of questions in front of you during tests. Alternatively, the AI may present you with an idea or an issue to consider and engage in conversation with you about it. You find the answers on your own, and the AI shows you how well you performed. The finest aspect? It is entirely just. Since the AI is impartial, everyone has an equal opportunity to provide their knowledge.

In summary, the goal of generative AI is to make learning and assessments feel less like a chore and more like a conversation. It's a novel approach to improving student learning while also having fun.

Utilize AI to Define Exam Questions Based on Syllabus#

Exam preparation is being revolutionized by generative AI in education. It provides a distinctive method for writing question papers. Exams using this technology correspond exactly to the curriculum, subject, and particular themes. Teachers can also adjust the degree of difficulty to better fit the evaluation requirements.

Exams that assess not just academic knowledge but also practical understanding and problem-solving abilities can be created thanks to this AI-driven approach. It represents a substantial departure from conventional techniques and encourages a more thorough evaluation of students' abilities.

Artificial Intelligence: Your Helper in Education#

The freedom from subject matter specialists provided by generative AI is one of the main advantages of adopting it for exam preparation. AI intervenes to save time and resources even though their insights are priceless. Teachers can now quickly create test questions without having to constantly consult specialists. Not only does this automation save time, but it also enhances the accuracy and personalization of exam creation.

Educator and Student Empowerment#

When it comes to test preparation, generative AI is more than just a tool—it's revolutionary. It gives teachers the tools they need to design more interesting, useful, and successful tests. It means that students will have to take tests that accurately represent their knowledge and abilities. This artificial intelligence program is a first step toward a learning assessment procedure that is more effective, perceptive, and customized.

Employ AI as a supplement, not as a substitute.#

The use of AI in education raises some people's concerns. One concern is that AI might eventually take the place of teachers completely. The possibility that AI would never fully comprehend or be able to mimic human learning is another cause for concern.

On the other hand, some think that rather than taking the role of teachers, artificial intelligence might be used to improve and augment their work.

The only reason artificial intelligence (AI) products on the market have demonstrated effectiveness in student learning and education is when a teacher uses them with ease.

Furthermore, AI has demonstrated how education and learning possibilities have become far more equitable and fair for all students, regardless of any challenges they may have had to overcome, including distance learning students with disabilities.

All areas of education have benefited from AI's assistance in closing this knowledge gap and removing learning obstacles.

AI-powered auto-descriptive response evaluation#

Artificial intelligence (AI) has made it possible to perform a lot of laborious activities faster and more efficiently.

Examining answer sheets for errors is one of these tasks. The auto-evaluation of the answer sheets is possible with AI.

An AI tool assesses the descriptive response fast and gives evaluators a reference point to double-check the response. This lowers the likelihood of errors and significantly expedites the paper-grading process.

AI-driven Online Proctoring#

AI has numerous advantages for classrooms, but it may also be utilized to assist with remote exam invigilation.

With the aid of AI proctoring, you may administer online tests to students at the convenient time and on their own schedule. Exams can be taken by students even if they are unable to travel to a testing facility thanks to this excellent method.

Exam administration can be made more secure and equitable with the use of AI proctoring. You may assist your students in having a successful and positive assessment experience by utilizing AI proctoring.

Conclusion#

Without a question, one of the most revolutionary technologies that has changed the world is artificial intelligence. AI utilization will undoubtedly hit an all-time high in the following year.

As demonstrated previously, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to automatically grade tests or to direct the marking of answer sheets with explanations. To increase efficiency, it can also be utilized in classes.

AI technologies have the potential to save time while also increasing the efficiency and speed of work and marking. They can also guide teachers in this regard.

In learning and education, AI has simultaneously begun to become the standard and a trend. It has simply demonstrated the improvements and increased efficiency that it can provide and will continue to bring about.

Introduction#

To put it mildly, the past few years have been particularly stressful for the US and the rest of the world. The need for therapy is growing as more people—especially young people—struggle with mental health problems. Therapists are overworked as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent loneliness epidemic. The mental health sector is severely understaffed, which further reduces access to care.

To fill in the gaps, direct-to-consumer (DTC) teletherapy providers like BetterHelp and Talkspace have arisen. Although this change has provided solutions for some issues, it has also presented therapists with new difficulties. Providers have had to learn how to conduct virtual sessions, access new patient portals, and adjust to new tools, as detailed in a May 2024 Data & Society paper.According to the survey, a lot of therapists feel that their labor is being exploited by the platforms, which organize it like gig employment.

Therapists require assistance as well, even though the goal of these DTC choices is to assist consumers. According to a 2023 American Psychological Association (APA) study, 46% of psychologists said they were unable to satisfy demand in 2022 (up 16% from 2020) and 45% said they felt burned out as a result of the increased workload during the epidemic.

Making notes and keeping records#

More than merely leading sessions, a therapist's daily tasks include scheduling, organizing, and keeping track of their patients' electronic health records (EHR). According to several therapists, one of the most difficult aspects of their work is maintaining EHRs.

Many AI solutions for therapists are designed to relieve overworked clinicians of administrative tasks, much as the majority of AI applications for business and productivity. A number of tools employ AI to evaluate patient data and assist therapists in identifying subtle differences in a patient's progress or mental health.

AI notetakers that comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) can be useful in this situation. One such application is called Upheal, which can be used on a mobile device or therapist's browser to listen in on in-person or virtual sessions via Zoom or other platforms. For solitary or couple sessions, providers can choose from templates, and Upheal will take session notes in the proper manner. The notes can be transferred into the therapist's current EHR platform after the provider reviews and approves them.

Administrative assistance#

The benefits of therapy extend beyond dynamic sessions. AI technologies can support patients' growth in between sessions, freeing up therapists to engage in more in-depth one-on-one work. Conversational AI chatbots, such as Wysa and Woebot, employ psychological research to offer homework assignments and on-demand mental health care to their users. Their on-demand nature means that they are meant to either precede or complement provider-based care. They may theoretically reduce the volume of therapy session requests for therapists, much like triage.

Woebot is a messaging software that is available to individuals who are already receiving assistance from a therapist. It use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to interact with and address any topic that a user want to talk about. The whole Woebot Health platform is intended for physicians; in addition to gathering patient-reported data, it assists therapists in formulating treatment strategies.

Receiving patients#

AI solutions have the potential to free up therapists' time and energy. But what response do patients give them?

Patients must give written approval under HIPAA in order for Upheal or similar products to record their sessions. The majority of Morogiello's clients, she claims, had concerns at first but become at ease when they learn that she employs Upheal.

She adds, "Otherwise, Upheal blends into her virtual sessions and looks like any other standard video conferencing interface. Sometimes we'll make jokes about it in session."

According to Morogiello, "I think most people have a lot of mixed reactions when they think about AI." Although her clients trust her to solely utilize HIPAA-compliant technologies with them, she says their main concern was data security. Counselor: I expect clients with disorders like OCD or paranoia to be a little hesitant at first, as some of her more well-known clients did. But all in all, people seem to like Upheal.

Therapist-made AI tools#

A psychologist in New York City named Clay Cockrell is developing an AI tool for couples considering therapy. The model he is developing can offer comments and guidance that are structured similarly to what he already does. "A large portion of my work in marital counseling is coaching-oriented; I give homework on how to increase intimacy and teach communication skills. It's not so much the inner work, "he says, alluding to the more in-depth contemplation that patients frequently engage in with a therapist.

Although not applicable to all forms of couples therapy, Clay's method is amenable to automation by artificial intelligence. Condensing that into a model can help him attract some of his potential customers.

With regards to his tool—which is not yet in beta—Clay states that he views it more as an on-ramp to in-person couples therapy. When couples feel more at ease with the concept, he believes it will encourage them to pursue more intensive counseling. "Perhaps this would lead you to say, 'We've gotten so far with this, now, maybe we need to move into in-person or live therapy situation."

Drawbacks and obstacles#

Even with proven advantages, no AI technology is perfect all the time. The therapists acknowledged the limitations of the instruments they utilize, but they also had few concerns about them. Perhaps the biggest shortcoming of AI currently is that it lacks context, which also makes it unlikely that it will replace most jobs in the near future.

For instance, during a session with one of Morogiello's patients, Upheal wrote down the client's son inadvertently, thinking it to be their spouse. After review, Morogiello was able to fix it and report it to Upheal, which allows users to give comments to enhance its model.

AI's propensity to act on recommendations and counsel more quickly than a therapist might be another flaw. This makes sense, of course, as popular large language models (LLMs) have traditionally been designed to serve as search engines, issue solvers, and command-taking personal assistants. Cockrell has had to concentrate his tool on teaching people how to be curious in order to fix this.

Conclusion#

In the event that therapy is being accessed in a way that is more appropriate for the digital age, then therapist-specific tools must also change. Even tiny support networks can greatly enhance mental health professionals who might otherwise run the danger of burning out.