HomeinetThe computer that will teach you how to be social

The computer that will teach you how to be social

1415B1C443011C4D5A102B76564264EDIt gives the feeling that he really listens to you

One of the most devastating effects of constant communication through technologically advanced electronic devices is the increased anxiety that overwhelms people when they finally have to talk to someone... face to face: a "dead" handshake, a failed joke, pauses of embarrassment, sarcasm, and awkwardness.

However, when one communicates via computer or other smart devices, "mistakes" can be avoided before one presses the "send" button.

A research team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a technology that can help people... improve their human communication skills... as oxymoronic as that may sound!

The program is called MACH (My Automated Conversation Coach).

A computer-generated… advisor – either a woman with dark hair and blue eyes, or a “colleague” with glasses, wearing the same black T-shirt, gray cardigan and black jacket – takes over the conversation.

Using a standard webcam, the MACH program scans facial expressions, listens carefully to the person's speech patterns, and "reads" their behavior. As the "coach" speaks, he nods his head as if he's paying attention to your every word. "He smiles when you smile," said study leader M. Ehsan Hoque, and "it gives the feeling that he's really listening to you.".

MACH tracks the use of expressions that indicate weak language use, such as "mmm," "uhh," and "basically.".

It also examines how much someone smiles during the conversation and provides evidence of how effective the communication was.

The researcher, who recently received his PhD, is now seeking funding to refine his model and make it available online. He says that some companies and organizations involved in autism research have shown interest in his program.

 

Source: newsbeast.gr

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