Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Facial recognition software can (probably) detect emotional reactions. We enter the age of the real-time political poll and its (largely unintended) consequences.

A recent study delves into the use of facial recognition software in education. I like the idea. Have the computer detect confusion, frustration, etc. in students using computer-based training or online learning. Provide this information to the educator so that learning is enhanced.

And then my mind wanders to some other uses. How about real-time political polling? A politician is giving a speech on TV and the net. Face cameras on computers and smartphones monitor the expressions of those watching the speech. The speaker is given real-time information about the reactions of the watchers. The speech changes in real-time so that the speaker is perceived favorably.

What’s the harm? That is open to debate. What are the outcomes? Who knows. We enter the era of real-time political polls. Watch out.