The growth and development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a consistent force in our national and international perspective. It is projected to be a foundational pillar in our global economy, as the current valuation in the year 2026 is estimated at approximately six hundred billion dollars with projections to be almost five trillion dollars by 2033.
There are some significant fears about the expansion of AI. Issues like job displacement, the possibilities of misinformation, biased and flawed decision making and privacy erosion are among some of the top concerns. Those concerns are real and some of these negatives have already become glaringly apparent in our current environment.
However, as in most technology innovation there is a two-edged sword. For as much as AI can be used for questionable outcomes, there are also significant opportunities for AI to be utilized for good. In fact, there are already foundations, global organizations and innovative movements that are designed to create a way for AI to be utilized for humanitarian purposes. Huge advances in healthcare, research, mental health, supports for veterans and many more opportunities are coming to the forefront of AI development.
In order for that humanitarian emphasis to be implemented, we need leadership and human guidance that can theorize and articulate the values that will be core to the use of AI built on the foundation of altruistic values and behaviors. In so doing, AI for good becomes possible and useful to positively impact our society.
Using intentional training, we have significant opportunities to use virtual reality and AI to help address some of our significant societal ills. As I have written previously in my posts, Lakeside has been providing trauma-informed training for over a decade that promotes support, care, compassion and hope. The world of virtual reality and AI offers us the opportunity to feature our expansive training to a whole new audience due to expanding access.
What is also encouraging is that we can create our own AI that is confidential, HIPAA compliant, exclusive to our curriculum and presented with sensitivity, non-judgment and clarity. Another positive aspect of our own AI is that we can expand our access to anyone who has an internet connection. What we hear from our participants is that they long for everyone to possess a trauma lens for their families, their neighbors, their co-workers and their communities. The invention of AI allows accessibility like we have never experienced to make that possible.
In our world of trauma-informed and mental health training, we recognize that AI can be utilized for good. In fact, Lakeside is currently developing its own app that will allow our Trauma 101 course to be taught and be accessible to hundreds of thousands of individuals who function in families, corporations, healthcare facilities, schools, communities, non-profit organizations, businesses, etc. In the very near future, we will release the details regarding how Lakeside will be using AI for good as we offer our comprehensive curriculum to help those impacted by trauma to understand more about the neurological and practical realities of this pervasive issue in our society. In other words, Lakeside will announce our own new movement in trauma-informed care where virtual reality training and AI will be used for good. We are excited about that opportunity and challenge. Stay tuned! There is more to come!
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
