Artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the cornerstone technologies in various fields, and its potential in social welfare is remarkable. The magic of AI lies in its ability to understand and solve complex problems, making it an invaluable tool for improving the lives of individuals and communities. One of the key areas where AI can make a significant impact is in healthcare. AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of medical data, identify patterns, and provide valuable insights for doctors and healthcare professionals. This can lead to more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatment plans, and improved patient outcomes. Additionally, AI can aid in monitoring patients remotely, predicting disease outbreaks, and even developing new drugs by simulating the effects of certain compounds.
At-scale applications of AI in social protection have been limited. A study by Engstrom and others (2020) of 157 public sector uses of AI by 64 U.S. government agencies found seven cases related to social protection, where AI was mainly used to predict risk screening of referrals at child protection agencies (Chouldechova and others 2018; Clayton and others 2019).
government agencies found seven cases related to social protection, where AI was mainly used to predict risk screening of referrals at child protection agencies Chouldechova and others 2018; Clayton and others 2019. In Canada, the poor quality of the data created errors that led to subpar foster placement and failure to remove children from unsafe environments Vogl 2020.
Additionally, AI can aid in monitoring patients remotely, predicting disease outbreaks, and even developing new drugs by simulating the effects of certain compounds. AI also plays a crucial role in education and learning. With adaptive learning algorithms, AI can cater to the individual needs and learning styles of students, providing personalized education experiences.
AI for social protection: Mind the people
The technology that allowed passengers to ride elevators without an operator was tested and ready for deployment in the 1890s. But it was only after the elevator operators’ strike of 1946—which cost New York City $100 million—that automated elevators started to get installed. It took more than 50 years to persuade people that they were as safe and as convenient as those operated by humans. The promise of radical changes from new technologies has often overshadowed the human factor that, in the end, determines if and when these technologies will be used.
Interest in artificial intelligence (AI) as an instrument for improving efficiency in the public sector is at an all-time high. This interest is motivated by the ambition to develop neutral, scientific, and objective techniques of government decisionmaking (Harcourt 2018). As of April 2021, governments of 19 European countries had launched national AI strategies. The role of AI in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals recently drew the attention of the international development community (Medaglia et al. 2021).
Advocates argue that AI could radically improve the efficiency and quality of public service delivery in education, health care, social protection, and other sectors (Bullock 2019; Samoili and others 2020; de Sousa 2019; World Bank 2020). In social protection, AI could be used to assess eligibility and needs, make enrollment decisions, provide benefits, and monitor and manage benefit delivery (ADB 2020). Given these benefits and the fact that AI technology is readily available and relatively inexpensive, why has AI not been widely used in social protection?
It can analyze student data to identify areas of improvement and recommend suitable learning resources. Furthermore, AI-powered virtual assistants can support teachers by automating administrative tasks, creating interactive learning materials, and providing real-time feedback to students. In the field of social services, AI can assist in analyzing large datasets to identify vulnerable populations, detect patterns of abuse or neglect, and improve resource allocation. For example, AI-powered algorithms can predict the likelihood of child abuse based on various risk factors, allowing social workers to intervene and provide support before harm occurs. In addition, AI can enhance the efficiency of social welfare programs by automating processes and reducing administrative burden, freeing up resources to be allocated more effectively. Moreover, AI has the potential to address societal challenges like poverty and homelessness. By analyzing data on socio-economic factors, AI algorithms can identify individuals and communities at risk of poverty, helping policymakers to design targeted interventions. AI can also optimize the allocation of resources to provide support to homeless populations by predicting demand and identifying areas with the greatest need. However, it is important to acknowledge potential challenges and ethical considerations associated with the use of AI. Concerns about data security, privacy, bias, and potential job displacement should be addressed to ensure the responsible and effective use of AI in social welfare. In conclusion, the magic of artificial intelligence lies in its ability to understand and solve complex problems, making it a powerful tool for social welfare. Its potential in healthcare, education, social services, and addressing societal challenges is immense. By harnessing AI's capabilities responsibly, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has access to the support and resources they need..
Reviews for "AI for inclusive growth: Unlocking opportunities through social welfare programs"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magic of artificial intelligence in social welfare". The author claimed that AI could solve all our social problems, but provided no real evidence or examples. It felt like a lot of empty promises without any substance. I was hoping for a more balanced view of the subject, but instead, it felt like a sales pitch for the wonders of AI. Overall, the book lacked depth and failed to convince me of its arguments.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I cannot recommend "Magic of artificial intelligence in social welfare" at all. The writing style was dry and filled with technical jargon, making it difficult to understand for someone unfamiliar with the field. The author also made sweeping generalizations about the potential of AI in social welfare without acknowledging the limitations and ethical concerns. It was clear that the book was pushing a particular agenda rather than providing an objective analysis. I was hoping to learn more about the nuances and complexities of AI in social welfare, but this book fell short.
3. Mark - 2 stars - "Magic of artificial intelligence in social welfare" left me unimpressed. The book lacked a clear structure and jumped from one point to another without proper explanation. It also failed to address the potential risks and challenges associated with AI in social welfare, which made the arguments seem one-sided. Additionally, the author relied heavily on hypothetical scenarios rather than real-world examples, which made it difficult for me to fully grasp the practical applications of AI in this context. Overall, I found the book to be shallow and uninspiring.