Lack of emotions
Replicating human intelligence in computers would be the epitome of AI. However, they currently lack one important aspect of human intelligence; Emotional Intelligence. Some argue that this draws a line between humans and AI, which is why they think some human tasks can never be replaced by robots. For instance, in providing bed side manner or customer service. One would prefer a sympathetic person rather than a cold hearted robot. Nonetheless, Artificial Emotional Intelligence is gaining ground, but I see it as a double edged sword.
Advantages of Artificial Emotional Intelligence
Sentiment analysis can help machines understand human emotions so that they can adapt their behavior accordingly. However, research has shown that body language conveys 55% of the value of your message and 38% is delivered in the intonation of your voice. Only 7% is captured in the actual choice of words. So, emotions are largely conveyed non-verbally.
Affectiva is one of the growing businesses in this field. Their Emotion AI Technology is already used to judge the emotional effect of an advertisement by analyze facial images of the person to classify them according to an emotional state. This technology could also be applied in autonomous cars so that they can assess the condition of the passengers and act accordingly. Such as detecting lack of attention and tiredness. Furthermore, combining AI with Emotional Intelligence is beneficial for improving customer service as AI recognize and respond more effectively to emotional responses, improving customer experience.
Risks of Artificial Emotional Intelligence
While I do see the advantages of this technology, I wonder whether or not it will stab us in the back. First of all, there is a matter of privacy. Emotions are private affairs and therefore protective legislation are needed to deal with the collection, storage and use of this information about ones’ emotional state. Secondly, emotional manipulation. By understanding human emotions, it can also manipulate a persons’ state of mind for the wrong intentions or worsening ones’ emotional state. And thirdly, what if they start to experience emotions too? How will we remain in control?
What do you think the future of Aritificial Emotional Intelligence holds for us?
Resources
Joshi, N. (2018). Artificial emotional intelligence: the future of AI. Retrieved from https://www.experfy.com/blog/artificial-emotional-intelligence-the-future-of-ai
Kleber, S. (2018). 3 Ways AI is getting more emotional. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2018/07/3-ways-ai-is-getting-more-emotional
Beck, M. & Libert, B. (2017). The rise of AI makes emotional intelligence more important. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2017/02/the-rise-of-ai-makes-emotional-intelligence-more-important
Yonck, R. (2018). The coming era of emotional machines. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-intelligence-report/201802/the-coming-era-emotional-machines
Zurcher, A. (2014). The danger of emotional machines. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-echochambers-28005330
