Researchers develop AI-based forecast to predict opioid deaths

Researchers from Stony Brook University have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model that uses social media posts to forecast opioid death rates more accurately than methods relying on traditional data measures, such as opioid-related death rates in previous years and socio-economic factors.

The model uses machine learning to analyse social media posts and identifies language patterns and keywords associated with opioid use and overdose. The study found that the AI model could accurately predict community-based opioid deaths with high level of accuracy.

However, the study also raised concerns about data privacy and ethical considerations, and the researchers acknowledge that further research is needed to refine the model and ensure its ethical use.