Life2vec: Predicting Health and Social Events with Language Processing AIDanish Scientists Use AI to Predict Human Life Stages and Expose Dangers. Credit: techxplore.com

In Denmark, scientists are utilizing artificial intelligence and information gathered from millions of individuals to forecast the stages of a person's life, from beginning to end. Their goal is to bring attention to the capabilities and dangers of this technology. The creators of life2vec are not motivated by morbid curiosity, but rather by a desire to uncover patterns and connections that can help predict various health and social events.

According to Sune Lehmann, a professor at the Technical University of Denmark, the possibilities are endless, from predicting health outcomes such as fertility and obesity to predicting financial success. The algorithm, which functions similarly to ChatGPT, takes into account factors such as birth, education, and employment when analyzing life events. The team hopes to adapt the techniques used in language-processing programs to analyze and forecast human lives based on detailed event sequences.

However, despite their promising results, there have been false claims of a "death calculator" using the software to make life expectancy predictions in exchange for personal information. The researchers maintain that the software is not accessible to the general public and is only being used for research purposes.

The basis for their model is data from six million Danes, collected by Statistics Denmark. By analyzing sequences of events, the algorithm can make predictions about a person's life until their last breath. For example, it correctly predicts death in 78% of cases and relocation in 73% of cases. The team focuses on individuals between 35 and 65 years old to verify the algorithm's accuracy, as deaths in this age group are relatively rare. However, the tool is not yet available for commercial use.

Lehmann and his colleagues also plan to explore the long-term effects of social connections on life and health. They hope that their project will serve as a scientific counterbalance to the significant investments in AI by large tech companies. These companies often use similar algorithms for advertising purposes, but they do not make them public or discuss their capabilities.

Pernille Tranberg, a Danish data ethics expert, believes that these algorithms could be used against individuals, leading to discrimination and unfair treatment. She warns against relying on prediction clocks found on the internet, as they are often inaccurate. Ultimately, the researchers hope that their project will shed light on the potential uses and consequences of AI and encourage public discourse on the topic.

David Lamy
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David Lamy owns the Bachelor in Atmospheric Science Degree. He is associated with Industry News USA from last 2 years. With proficiency in his work, David obtained a strong position at Industry News USA and heads the Science section. “Weather forecasting” is the field of his interest. He bags total 5 years of experience in this field. Apart from his routine work, David loves to explore his cooking skills. He has participated in various cookery shows.