Grandma and grandpa are finally gaining knowledge about technology, but it’s not in the situation you would probably prefer.
Let’s face it: visiting family members and loved ones who are living in nursing homes or assisted living communities can sometimes be unpleasant.
Because of this, the elderly are becoming more lonely and depressed than ever before. We have all seen the heartbreaking stories on the news about elderly people that are forgotten or ignored by their family members. Finally, technology is attempting to alleviate the issue.
To remedy this loneliness, an artificial intelligence called Elli.Q has been created to keep the elderly company when we don’t go visit him.
The system will play games with them, remind them to take their pills and generate made-up conversation to exchange with them.
This AI could teach the elderly how to operate more complex operating systems such as a smart phone or a high-functioning computer. After gaining technology skills, the elderly could learn how to communicate online with real people and no longer feel lonely.
While this is innovative and a great idea in thought, it is also really sad.
It says something that about us, however, that someone felt the need to create a technology to keep our loved ones from becoming too lonely in nursing homes.
A potential downfall of this is the elderly may become too frustrated while trying to operate the AI that they will feel discouraged and will no longer want to try.
However, if it were to succeed and they did become interested in technology, maybe they would stop picking on us for being so involved with technology and our electronic devices.
This could also be better implemented at assisted living homes because these members are more independent and capable of using the AI more effectively.
A trial phrase will launch in San Francisco in February this year.
In other places in the world this AI for the elderly program has been tried. However, these programs are in response to the staff not having enough time to care for all the residents.
Japan has created a robotic seal that helps the elderly wash their dishes and keeps them company.
Many people believe this will create a false sense of dependency for the elderly, and others think this is a cheap shot to engage older citizens with society.
We think it’s a pretty harmless idea that could benefit more so than harm people. The pros outweigh the cons, and what’s the worst that could happen? Grandma becomes better at phone games than you do? She’ll be able to tag you in embarrassing pictures on Facebook?
While the AI is certainly a positive development, the real solution is for individuals to take greater responsibility and visit their own family members more often.
After all, which will be more fulfilling, actually seeing your grandchildren or playing electronic games with an artificial intelligence?
The editorial board applauds the efforts of those that are trying to lessen people’s loneliness, but we must urge everyone to take greater care and responsibilty with their family members.
