Tech can read your emotions
VANCOUVER: Dolby Laboratories chief scientist Poppy Crum tells of a fast-coming time when technology will see right through people no matter how hard they try to hide their feelings.
Sensors combined with artificial intelligence could reveal whether someone was lying, infatuated, or poised for violence, Crum said at a big ideas TED Conference here.
“It is the end of the poker face. We broadcast our emotions. We will know more about each other than we ever have.”
Eye dilation reveals how hard a brain is working, and heat radiating from skin signals whether we are stressed or even romantically piqued.
The amount of carbon dioxide exhaled can signal how riled up someone, or a crowd, is getting. Micro-expressions and chemicals in breath reveal feelings.
The timing of someone’s speech can expose whether they are at risk of dementia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis or bipolar disorder, according to the neuroscientist.
Brain waves can indicate whether someone’s attention is elsewhere in a room, regardless of the fact their gaze is locked on the person in front of them.
Technology exists to read such cues and, combined with artificial intelligence that can analyse patterns and factor in context, can magnify empathy if used for good or lead to abuses if used to oppress or manipulate, says Crum.
She gave examples of a school counselor being able to tell whether a cheery student was having a hard time, or police knowing if someone acting bizarrely had a health condition or was criminally violent.
One could skip scanning profiles on dating apps and, instead, scan people for genuine interest.
“I realise many are having a hard time with people sharing our data, or knowing something we didn’t want to share.
“I’m not looking to create a world where our inner lives are ripped open, but I’m looking to create a world where we can care more effectively,” said Crum.