Can Artificial Intelligence Save Us From Depression?

As the Brett Kavanaugh hearings dominated the news cycle in September, Silicon Valley–based mental health startup Ginger found its app buzzing with sexual assault survivors who were reporting feelings of heightened anxiety, anger and powerlessness. It scanned the words users typed to their therapists in a bid to better understand the patient's situation and then recommended how the health professionals might intervene. The therapists were then able to provide coping strategies based on an individual's needs. For Ginger co-founder Karan Singh, the reason for developing the app was personal. After learning of a friend's suicide attempt, Singh decided to help develop better resources for people suffering from depression.