Description: The ‘AI for Social Good’ refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies to address social challenges and improve outcomes in various areas such as health, education, and the environment. This approach seeks not only efficiency and innovation but also equity and the well-being of communities. The ethics of AI plays a crucial role in this context, as it involves considering how algorithmic decisions can affect people and society as a whole. Implementing AI for Social Good requires a commitment to ethical principles such as transparency, fairness, and accountability, ensuring that technologies are developed and used in ways that benefit everyone, especially the most vulnerable groups. This approach also promotes collaboration among governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to maximize the positive impact of AI on society. In a world where technology is advancing rapidly, ‘AI for Social Good’ presents an opportunity to leverage these advancements for the benefit of humanity, fostering sustainable development and greater social inclusion.
History: The concept of ‘AI for Social Good’ began to gain attention in the 2010s when the potential of artificial intelligence to address complex social problems was recognized. In 2017, the ‘AI for Good Global Summit’ was established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to explore how AI can contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Since then, there has been a rise in initiatives and projects that use AI to improve quality of life in various areas.
Uses: AI for Social Good is used in various applications, such as improving healthcare through more accurate diagnostics, optimizing resources in education to personalize learning, and disaster management through more effective predictions. It is also applied in poverty reduction by analyzing data to identify areas of need and in promoting environmental sustainability through monitoring natural resources.
Examples: An example of AI for Social Good is the use of machine learning algorithms to predict disease outbreaks in vulnerable communities, such as the Harvard University project that utilizes public health data. Another case is the use of AI in online education platforms that adapt content to the needs of each student, like Khan Academy. Additionally, the organization ‘DataKind’ uses data science to help non-profit organizations solve social problems.
