Voice notes sent over WhatsApp can be used to detect early signs of depression. In a recent study, scientists have accurately identified these signs using an AI model.

WhatsApp voice notes can help identify early signs of depression

Your WhatsApp voice notes can reveal signs of depression. It may sound strange, but scientists have developed an AI model that can detect a person's mental health based solely on voice notes. Research published recently in PLOS Mental Health reveals this. This AI model can accurately identify signs of depression based on audio recordings.

More accuracy in the case of women

Research led by Brazilian researcher Victor H. Otani found that AI could identify depression in women with approximately 92 percent accuracy, while its accuracy dropped to 75 percent in men. The AI ​​only needed a recording of a person engaging in a normal conversation, such as describing their daily routine. Depression causes changes in a person's speech speed, pitch, and energy, which the AI ​​model could easily detect. 

What will be its benefit?

This technology could have widespread benefits worldwide. It could be particularly revolutionary for people suffering from depression in low-income countries and regions where access to a psychologist is difficult or expensive. Depression cases have been rising globally, but mental health resources are limited, preventing people from receiving timely treatment. Those involved in the research say that while this technology cannot replace doctors, it can serve as a cheap and powerful screening tool. Its operation is straightforward, requiring people to simply record a voice note.