It is challenging to function with mental health issues. Such conditions often make people feel isolated and alienated. For this reason, the scientific and medical communities continually explore methods of improving mental health and ways to treat specific disorders. Los Angeles-based Attune Media Labs is addressing the problem and identifying viable solutions designed to help alleviate it.
Fighting the Stigma
Attune Media Labs founders Robert and David Bosnak understand the stigma associated with mental health issues. These renowned scientists realize it is difficult for individuals dealing with such disorders to seek help or often even discuss the problem. Said concerns are still considered taboo in many circles, forcing those impacted to suffer in silence and watch their social, personal, and professional lives suffer significantly as well.
The Bosnaks believe that creating meaningful connections improves human well-being in general. Moreover, they also put forth the notion that meaningful connections should be available to everyone.
Scalable Personal Empathic Companions
Attune Media Labs has employed AI to develop what company officials refer to as scalable personal empathic virtual companions, referred to as MiM because they MiMic how we communicate. MiM is a confidant or friend that those struggling with mental health problems can interact with whenever needed. The technology is designed to understand the human connection and respond not only to words but to the emotions, vocal tones, and facial expressions behind them—much like a human being would.
Inspired by Years of Study
This technology was not merely thrown together as a quick response to a disturbing trend. The Bosnaks possess more than 50 combined years of experience in the psychoanalytic and neuroscience fields, and Robert began this work at the MIT Media Lab in the 1990s. They utilized their expertise to patent technology capable of interpreting and responding to biometric emotional signals and combining that information with actual psychological understanding.
Real Test Cases
Attune Media Labs established a partnership with Healthcare in Action to put MiM to work in actual test cases. The two establishments have participated in an ongoing program intended to address the needs of underserved populations, including individuals diagnosed with HIV and homeless individuals in the greater Los Angeles area.
In early trials of the technology, 86 percent of those who used it reported experiencing fewer incidents of loneliness. Moreover, these subjects also experienced a 55 percent reduction in anxiety and a 45 percent decrease in stress within three months.
Taking Notice
MiM has garnered significant attention and accolades. In addition to earning four patents in the scientific community within the United States, Attune Media Labs has applied for international patents. Furthermore, the company’s founders were honored to present their technology to the Congressional Digital Health Caucus on Capitol Hill.
Safety First Profits Second
Despite establishing this remarkable creation, the founders place significant emphasis on not compromising ethics and ensuring that MiM is safe to use. The Bosnaks built their company as a Public Benefit Corporation, which mandates that nothing takes priority over the user’s well-being.
“Our highest priority is the health and safety of our users, safeguarded by privacy-first policies,” said Attune CEO David Bosnak. “As a Public Benefit Corporation, Attune is committed to ensuring AI tech is developed ethically.”
The Future Development of MiM Technology
Attune Media Labs would like to see MiM evolve into a prevalent and increasingly influential presence in the health and wellness industries. In accomplishing this task, the founders hope to expand the technology’s capabilities into disciplines such as personal tutoring, the development of digital employees, and gaming.
