Smartphones are the next solution to predicting and preventing suicides using artificial intelligence (AI).

Harvard Psychologist Matthew K. Nock is working on AI technology that can help predict if newly released patients are falling back into old habits. There are sensors that detect irregular sleep patterns, low mood responses to questionnaires, not leaving the house, and movement (agitation). These warnings will allow a clinician to reach out before anything goes wrong.

In an ideal world this kind of technology would be beneficial, but there are a lot of doubts. In not every case does a person go through these red flags. Every person is different and may not show any signs.

Another concern has been raised with the invasion of privacy of the patients. If it is a false red flag the clinician can have legal troubles and patients may not feel comfortable to being monitored 24/7. They are among the most vulnerable people, so it is crucial to avoid triggering them.

Dr. Nock is aware of these arguments but is persistent in applying this technology. He emphasizes that the suicide rate has stayed the same for the past 100 years.

Many other psychologists have pointed out how hard it is to predict suicide. Every person copes differently and can react fast.

AI itself raises a lot of controversies and adding the invasion of privacy and inaccuracy of this new technology is starting an argument among many psychologists. They are taking efforts to decrease the number of suicide but are questioning whether this technology will help or hinder patients.