Intelligent Personal Assistants Are Good for the Mental Health of Elderly People
This is the conclusion of a study conducted in the United Kingdom by researchers from Thinks Insights & Strategy, who provided Amazon Echo devices to participants over the age of 65. Plus, using Intelligent Personal Assistants 81% of senior users reported feeling less lonely. Before using Alexa, 54% of elderly individuals said they felt lonely or isolated, a figure that dropped to 35% after four weeks of use.
A Positive Impact on Well-Being
Similarly, regarding the well-being of the respondents, 49% initially reported feeling happy, a level that increased to 75% after four weeks of using Alexa, highlighting the positive impact of this technology.
Eric King, Director of Alexa Europe, was delighted with these results: “Every day at Amazon, we strive to create devices and services that improve the lives of our customers, whether by facilitating communication with their family and friends or simply by providing a quick way to listen to their favorite music.”
The issue is significant, especially considering that, according to a recent survey, nearly 50% of British adults admit to feeling lonely occasionally, while 4 million people suffer from chronic loneliness.
These findings are not surprising. Recently, we discussed in our columns a study published in the journal Science Robotics. In this research, the authors observed that companion robots equipped with AI capable of conversing with their users produced good results in reducing the loneliness of seniors.
Scientists emphasize that human contact is always preferable, but in its absence, machines can serve as a positive substitute. However, they believe it is necessary to establish rules to ensure that their use is ethical and trustworthy. It is known, for example, that AI can sometimes suffer from sexist or racist biases, and it is important to avoid these pitfalls.
Similarly, regarding the well-being of the respondents, 49% initially reported feeling happy, a level that increased to 75% after four weeks of using Alexa, highlighting the positive impact of this technology.
Key Takeaways:
- A study highlights the positive impact of Alexa in combating loneliness and improving the well-being of elderly people.
- Previous research emphasized the positive impact of AI on mental health.
- However, the use of these technologies must be well-regulated.
A Few Words about Personal Assistant Alexa
Alexa is Amazon’s cloud-based voice service and virtual assistant, designed to facilitate a variety of tasks through voice interaction. First introduced with the Amazon Echo smart speaker in 2014, Alexa has since become a prominent figure in the realm of smart home technology and virtual assistants.
Key Features
Voice Commands:
Alexa responds to voice commands, enabling users to control smart home devices, play music, set alarms, provide weather updates, and more.
Smart Home Integration:
Alexa can control a wide range of smart home devices, including lights, thermostats, door locks, and security systems, making it a central hub for home automation.
Skills:
Alexa Skills are like apps for Alexa, allowing users to add new functionalities. These range from games and educational tools to recipes and fitness routines.
Information Retrieval:
Users can ask Alexa for information on a variety of topics, from general knowledge questions to specific inquiries about news, sports scores, and local events.
Users can ask Alexa for information on a variety of topics, from general knowledge questions to specific inquiries about news, sports scores, and local events.
Benefits
Convenience:
Alexa streamlines daily tasks and enhances convenience through hands-free operation. Users can multitask efficiently, whether cooking, working, or relaxing.
Accessibility:
Alexa provides significant assistance to individuals with disabilities by offering voice control over devices and access to information without the need for physical interaction.
Entertainment:
Alexa supports a range of entertainment options, including playing music, audiobooks, podcasts, and controlling media playback on compatible devices.
Privacy and Security
Amazon has implemented various privacy controls for Alexa, such as the ability to mute the microphone, delete voice recordings, and review privacy settings. Despite these measures, users are encouraged to stay informed about privacy practices and manage their settings accordingly.
Conclusion
Alexa has transformed the way users interact with technology, offering a versatile and user-friendly experience that enhances daily life through voice commands and smart home integration. As AI technology continues to advance, Alexa is poised to become an even more integral part of modern.
Links
- Amazon Alexa – Alexa
- Sell your used device online – iGotOffer
Can AI Help with Mental Health? [Video]
Video uploaded by Gizmodo on January 25, 2023.
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