Apple is developing AI-powered mental health services, according to a Bloomberg report. Allegedly called Quartz, it will create personalized wellness plans via artificial intelligence and user data. Moreover, the upcoming service may suggest nutrition, fitness, or sleep tips. Quartz might also launch next year, but the tech firm may scrap or postpone it.
Apple Quartz will also “keep users motivated to exercise, improve eating habits, and help them sleep better.” In response, The Verge speculated it might also track mental health data, specifically emotions, to motivate users. As a result, we must be wary of how we use technology to assist with our mental health.
Apple hasn’t disclosed more information about its AI health projects. That is why I will cover its existing wellness programs. Then, I will discuss other alternative devices and apps that may meet your wellness needs. Note that consulting a health professional is safer and better than using technology immediately.
What are Apple’s other health features?
Photo Credit: theverge.com
The Quartz AI health app will take time before we can download it. In the meantime, try the other wellness products and services from Apple.
For example, the new Health app monitors your blood glucose, heart rate, and respiratory rate to notify you if they hit problematic levels. Its dashboard also shows the health metrics you want to focus on, such as the number of steps taken and sleep hours.
It is a great tool for those who want to lose weight or start new exercise routines. Some workout regimens require hitting a specific heart rate level to burn calories.
The health app shows if you’re hitting your target heart rate to confirm your fitness routine is working. On the other hand, it is also suitable for people with heart problems and other pre-existing conditions.
For example, the Health app can inform you if your blood pressure rises excessively. In response, you may take prescription medication or refrain from strenuous activity.
It also shows information about your meds and alerts regarding inadvisable drug interactions. Open the app, point your camera, and the Health app will find relevant suggestions.
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The Health app incorporates data from numerous third-party apps to promote healthier habits. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a nifty women’s health assistant.
It facilitates family planning by estimating ovulation and tracking cycle deviations. Moreover, the latest Apple Watch model lets you send emergency alerts if you have a serious health problem.
The iPhone 14 also has a similar feature that lets you send alerts even in areas unreachable to cell service. Moreover, you may download several third-party health apps on the Apple App Store.
Other AI and tech programs
Photo Credit: ieee.org
The Apple AI health app may seem like a unique innovation. However, other companies and organizations have been applying technology to healthcare.
For example, the British Journal of Opthalmology has been experimenting with artificial intelligence to identify heart disease in seconds. Coincidentally, the project is called QUARTZ, similar to Apple’s upcoming wellness app.
The acronym means “QUantitative Analysis of Retinal Vessels Topology and siZe.” It checks heart health by scanning eyes and comparing them to a database.
As a result, the British QUARTZ can detect potential issues. For example, it may conclude you have a stroke risk if your eye scan is similar to a stroke patient.
Unfortunately, other people have been using artificial intelligence for health inappropriately. Folks have been using ChatGPT to get mental health advice.
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It may provide general tips for improving someone’s well-being, but OpenAI did not create it for psychological therapy. Sahra O’Doherty, director of the Australian Association of Psychologists, said it could not assess health problems properly.
She also said, “I very much feel it is dangerous for a person to seek mental health support from someone who isn’t familiar with the physical location that that person is living in.” Moreover, Dr. Adam S. Miner, a clinical psychologist who studies conversational AI, also commented.
He stated, “We kind of have to be realistic in our expectations where these are amazingly powerful and impressive language machines.” Also, Miner added, “They’re still software programs that are imperfect and trained on data that is not going to be appropriate for every situation.”
Conclusion
Apple is expanding its health services with artificial intelligence. It may release the Quartz program as a virtual health coach for Apple users. However, it hasn’t specified a release date.
You should not rely on apps and gadgets to maintain physical and mental health. Instead, consult a doctor for the best ways to encourage your well-being.
You might be missing out on the other features in your apps and gadgets. Maximize the benefits of technology by learning the latest digital trends from Inquirer Tech.
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