AI fails to detect depression signs in social media posts by Black Americans, study finds

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AI can detect depression in white people based on their social media posts – but not in Black people, Penn study finds

Artificial intelligence models developed to detect depression by analyzing the language a person uses on Facebook can accurately identify the mental health condition in white people, but often miss it in Black people, according to the findings of a study conducted by Penn Medicine. The results underscore the need for caution when using the technology in mental health care – so racial disparities are not perpetuated, researchers say.