Breaking the Stigma: Impact of Urban AI on Citizens' Mental Health
Exploring the risks and opportunities of AI deployed in urban environments for the mental wellbeing of city dwellers, with a focus on people living with depression and anxiety in Montréal
The use of AI in cities, including Canada, has been gaining increasing momentum. Public and private institutions have been instilling AI-powered technologies in many aspects of city planning at an alarming rate. Whilst there is scientific evidence suggesting that AI may cause anxiety and fear, researchers have still not addressed how the increased use of AI in cities may impact the mental wellbeing of urban dwellers. As people are already suffering the slings of mental disorders, AI deployed in urban environments may constitute an additional burden and even aggravating element on citizens’ mental health and illness(es).
To address this gap, this study explores the risks, but also the opportunities of “Urban AI” on citizens’ mental wellbeing in the context of Montréal, Canada. The study first relies on an online survey (n=70), which examines citizens’ comfort regarding the use of AI technologies in Montréal’s public spaces. Second, semi-structured interviews (n=8) were conducted with citizens diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety to gain a deeper understanding of their urban needs and AI perception.
Six major insights were identified: (1) AI deployed in urban spaces elicits different reactions by citizens depending on the type of technology and the location of its deployment; (2) citizens are uncomfortable with AI-powered technologies in public spaces due to mistrust in government and risks to data and spatial privacy; (3) citizens prefer AI technologies in street typologies such as alleyways and routes over other urban spaces; (4) there is notable adherence to Urban AI for enhancing security and safety in public spaces; (5) data relating to one’s psychological condition remains the most sensitive and stigmatized type of personal information; and (6) environmental factors including noise, aesthetically pleasing architecture, greenery, and crowded gatherings can mitigate against depression and anxiety in Montréal. These findings are worth considering when developing human-centered and context-based Urban AI systems that privilege mental restoration in the city.
Keywords: artificial intelligence; urban AI; mental health; mental illness; built environment.
