Suwon City has expanded its generative AI-based empathetic conversation service "Jump Friends" to include middle-aged and older adults at risk of social isolation and withdrawal.
Jump Friends, introduced in March as the first such service among local governments nationwide, uses generative AI to provide 24-hour empathetic counseling that simulates human conversation for young people at high risk of isolation.
The service was previously available to youth aged 14 to 39, but has now been expanded to all ages 14 and older. Any Suwon resident aged 14 or older experiencing isolation or withdrawal crisis can now access the Jump Friends AI empathetic conversation service around the clock.
Jump Friends provides psychological counseling services through online and offline channels, reaching out in a non-face-to-face manner to those who find in-person contact difficult. The system analyzes conversation content and patterns to detect early warning signs of emotional distress such as loneliness, anxiety and depression, and identifies users at risk of isolation and withdrawal.
Based on screening results, users are guided and connected to professional psychological counseling services (in-person, telephone, online) operated by organizations including the Suwon Youth Foundation. Those aged 14 to 39 can apply for professional psychological counseling through Jump Friends as before, while those aged 40 and older can apply for counseling regarding their children. Adults aged 40 and older who wish to receive counseling for themselves can directly contact the Suwon Happiness Mental Health Welfare Center.
