The Next Step In Facial Recognition Software: Computers Reading Emotions
Written by Craig Rogers, Posted on , in Section Inspirational
As technology continues to race forward, a number of companies are seeking to develop increasingly sophisticated programs capable of reading the expressions on a person's face. As these companies improve these programs and improve their logarithms, we may soon live in a world were computers equipped with this software are able to read the emotions of users. This may seem like a huge stride forward that society should embrace, but there are a number of applications for this technology that might have a negative effect on our lives. As with all new advances, it is a good idea to think about the potential for misuse instead of just embracing it blindly.
A Computer That Reads Your Mood
The upside to this type of technology is obvious. A computer capable of reading your mood could have hundreds of useful applications, particularly as computers become a much larger part of our lives. But is the potential downside worth it? Computers equipped with this technology could make privacy in public a thing of the past as they monitor all of the faces in crowds. Furthermore, as these programs become capable of picking up micro expressions that are to fast for humans to observe they could potentially be used as lie detectors. Another potential use of this technology is more focused marketing. This technology has the potential to monitor your reaction to advertising in real time and change it accordingly to make it more appealing. This is likely to be one of the first widespread uses of this technology.
How Will Facial Recognition Software Change Our Lives?
The amount that facial recognition software changes our society is likely to depend on how willing people are to sacrifice their privacy for the sake of convenience. If what is currently taking place with things like social media and bulk collection of personal data is any indication, then it is likely to pose no concern to the average person. Most people seem to be willing to give corporations and the government access to extensive information about themselves with little hesitation. We can only hope that this doesn't open the door to widespread abuse and the complete destruction of privacy.
