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“Sorry I Didn’T Hear You.” The Ethics Of Voice Computing And Ai In High Risk Mental Health Populations, Fazal Khan, Christopher Villongco

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This article examines the ethical and policy implications of using voice computing and artificial intelligence to screen for mental health conditions in low income and minority populations. Mental health is unequally distributed among these groups, which is further exacerbated by increased barriers to psychiatric care. Advancements in voice computing and artificial intelligence promise increased screening and more sensitive diagnostic assessments. Machine learning algorithms have the capacity to identify vocal features that can screen those with depression. However, in order to screen for mental health pathology, computer algorithms must first be able to account for the fundamental differences in vocal characteristics …