Oli: Analyzing AI's Role in Personal Well-Being and Ethical Considerations

Oli: Can Artificial Intelligence Support Personal Well-Being?
This case study delves into the world of Oli, an innovative app designed to enhance users' mental hygiene through daily AI-driven interactions. The narrative centers around Sathish Gangichetty, the cofounder and CEO of Oli, as he prepares to pitch his company to an impact investor for crucial seed funding.
The Inspiration and Features of Oli
The case outlines Gangichetty's personal motivation behind creating Oli and provides a comprehensive overview of the app's functionalities. Oli leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to offer personalized support for mental well-being, aiming to make mental hygiene practices accessible and engaging.
Navigating the Complexities of AI in Well-being
A core theme of the case is the exploration of the multifaceted benefits and drawbacks associated with AI wellness programs. These are examined across various levels:
- Individual Level: How AI impacts personal mental health, privacy, and user experience.
- Organizational Level: The implications for businesses adopting AI wellness tools for their employees, including productivity and culture.
- Societal Level: Broader impacts on public health, ethical standards, and the digital divide.
The case highlights a significant tension between AI user privacy and the need for organizational or societal safety. This underscores the critical importance of ethical considerations in AI development and deployment.
Ethical Considerations and Trade-offs
Individuals involved in the AI lifecycle – from development to implementation and use – must grapple with complex trade-offs. The case emphasizes that features beneficial to one stakeholder group might pose challenges for another. This necessitates careful consideration and prioritization of features and stakeholder needs when developing and implementing AI products.
A Framework for AI Impact Evaluation
The case study offers a valuable framework for evaluating the impact of AI tools on different stakeholders. It equips business leaders with the insights needed to make informed decisions when integrating new AI products into their organizations.
Educational Relevance
This case is particularly relevant for academic settings, specifically:
- "Minds and Machines" Course: Taught at Darden, this elective for second-year MBA students uses research from psychology and AI to guide students on the responsible use of AI in their future careers. It assesses AI's impact on individuals, organizations, and society, covering both opportunities and risks.
- Other MBA and Executive Education Courses: The case is also suitable for courses focusing on leadership and technology, AI and organizational culture, and ethics and technology.
Product Details
- Product #: UV9013
- Pages: 19
- Publication Date: July 23, 2024
- Source: Darden School of Business
Available Formats and Languages
Oli is available in various formats, including PDF, audio (MP3, M4A, CDROM, Cassette), bundle, DVD, event live/virtual conference, Word Document, Electronic Book, ePub, Financial, Ebook, Hardcover/Hardcopy, Web Based HTML, Kit, License, Magazine, Mobi, Multimedia CDROM/Windows Media, Paperback Book, Powerpoint, and Zip File. It is also offered in multiple languages such as English, Spanish, Chinese, Danish, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Slovak, and Traditional Chinese.
Copyright and Team Usage
Copyrighted PDFs are intended for individual use only. To share the PDF with a team, users must purchase one copy per individual. Quantity pricing is available for bulk purchases, offering discounts for 5 or more copies.
Related Products
The case study is complemented by related products focusing on employee well-being and the role of AI in business:
- Supporting the Well-Being of Your Underrepresented Employees
- Well-Being Intelligence: A Skill Set for the New World of Work
- Understanding the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Personalized Engagement Marketing
This case provides a comprehensive look at the practical and ethical dimensions of AI in the realm of personal well-being, offering valuable lessons for students, educators, and business leaders alike.
Original article available at: https://store.hbr.org/product/oli-can-artificial-intelligence-support-personal-well-being/UV9013