The new application helps to track the psychological state of users

Researchers at Dalhousie University in Canada have developed a PROSIT mobile app that can

detect anxiety and depression.It takes into account how a user handles their phone, as well as exercise, sleep, call volume, message history and music tastes. There are also more subtle data - for example, the speed and strength of text typing may indicate an emotionally tense state.

Users are also asked to record 90-second audio describing the worst and good events of the week and report their feelings on a five-point scale. So far, about 300 people are testing the application.

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Scientists are well aware of the problemsprivacy related to data tracking. Therefore, using the application requires signing a consent form, which is stored encrypted. At the same time, researchers can use this data only anonymously, so it is pointless to steal it.

The researchers note that such applicationscan be useful for solving psychological problems. Although PROSIT does not provide a complete picture of a person's condition, it could help psychologists track and better understand the development of their patients outside the sessions. This is especially important during a pandemic when clients are unable to visit their doctors in person. This can lead to more targeted and effective treatments.

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