AI is learning to be 'emotionally intelligent' — here's why that matters

In a world where your smartphone knows your dinner cravings, artificial intelligence (AI) is venturing into the intricate realm of human emotions. Imagine an AI that can gauge your mood better than your closest friend. This intriguing thing is very much happening, and it could reshape how we interact with technology.

The quest for emotion recognition

Human emotions are complex and often elusive, making them challenging to quantify. Researchers at Tsinghua University are fusing traditional psychological methods with advanced AI tools to create a clearer path to emotion quantification. While humans might struggle to articulate their feelings, a considerable amount of work is being done to train AI to observe, quantify, and recognise various emotional states.

Through technologies like gesture recognition and facial emotion recognition (FER), AI is preparing to become an emotional detective. As Feng Liu, a researcher at East China Normal University, noted, “This technology has the potential to transform fields such as health care, education, and customer service, facilitating personalised experiences and enhanced comprehension of human emotions.”

AI isn’t limited to one form of input; it combines a multitude of developments. For example, some techniques utilise EEG scans to monitor electrical activity in the brain, along with eye movement technology to gauge expressions. Other measurements, such as heart rate variability and electrical skin response, are also used to convert the intangible "emotion" into recognisable patterns.
Multi-modal emotion recognition combines different perceptual channels — sight, hearing, and touch — to gain a more comprehensive understanding of emotions. Liu emphasises that “interdisciplinary collaboration between AI, psychology, psychiatry, and other fields will be key in achieving this goal and unlocking the full potential of emotion quantification for the benefit of society.”

Why it matters

So, why does it matter that AI is learning to be emotionally intelligent? In our increasingly digital world, the ability to understand emotions could enhance interactions with technology and improve our quality of life. This innovation could create personalised experiences that resonate with our emotional states, transforming AI from a mere tool into a valuable partner in our daily lives.

Further, as mental health becomes a top priority, the potential for emotionally intelligent AI becomes even more significant. Emotion quantification AI can help monitor an individual’s mental health and create personalised experiences — all without the need to involve another person. This could lead to a more supportive environment for those struggling with their mental health.
However, this emotionally savvy AI isn’t without challenges. Issues of safety and transparency, especially regarding sensitive topics like medical and psychological counselling, must be addressed. Stringent data handling practices and privacy measures will be essential. Additionally, ensuring that AI can adapt to cultural nuances is critical to maintaining its integrity and reliability.

The findings of this research have been published in CAAI Artificial Intelligence Research and can be accessed here.