Introducing Social X-Ray Glasses
LatestA pair of high-tech glasses could help wearers read other people’s emotions. But don’t start celebrating the arrival of telepathy just yet.
Sally Adee of New Scientist describes “social x-ray specs,” glasses outfitted with a camera that analyzes people’s expressions and gives the wearer audio and video feedback. The specs can relay whether conversation partners are “confused,” “disagreeing,” or “interested,” and even display a red light if it’s time for the wearer to shut up. Researchers have tested the device on people with autism, who used the glasses to improve their perception of others’ emotions — some of the improvement apparently persisted even after they took the glasses off, suggesting they could be used as a therapeutic device.