Chinese scientists started using artificial intelligence technology to prevent suicide

Beijing. January 24. Silkroadnews - Chinese scientists have begun using artificial intelligence to prevent suicide, the China Daily reported.
“China is using AI technology, including pattern recognition, to identify users who express suicidal thoughts on microblog site Weibo in order to prevent suicide attempts,” the report said.
Zhu Tingshao, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, conducted a two-year study of online suicidal statements and created an AI account to help users who are prone to suicide.
In 2016, Zhu’s team studied 4222 microblogs containing suicidal thoughts, in an attempt to find language patterns, which the AI could learn from.
“We used AI technology such as natural language processing and deep learning to collect language patterns from suicidal users. Then our AI account sent direct messages to them online, offering comfort and advice while protecting their privacy,” the agency quoted Zhu saying.
With this Zhu explained that many people considering suicide, share their fears online rather than speaking to the specialist. Only 20% of people thinking of suicide seek professional help.
The AI account identified more than 20,000 users with suicidal thoughts.
According to Zhu, his team has upgraded the AI technology four times and plans to help not only people with suicidal inclinations but more Weibo users in the future.