Your Boss Wants to Spy on Your Inner Feelings

“Emotion AI” or “affective computing” combines cameras and sensors with AI to analyze people’s attitudes and feelings.

Texas-based Zenus uses emotion AI technology to capture images of body language, voice intonation and facial expressions to identify an individual’s motivations, potential behavior and emotions for marketing purposes. The technology can record reactions to products and events.

Some systems are used to assess intentions and character traits in order to evaluate job applicants, monitor classrooms or assess checkpoint threats. Automakers are installing AI systems in cars to gauge aggressive driving. Microsoft, Google and Amazon are offering cloud-based AI services, bundled with face recognition software. South Korean job coaches routinely instruct clients to rehearse AI-enhanced interviews.

Emotion AI reshapes hiring practices, business decisions and interactions with organizations.

Some businesses use AI to identify ideal hires, downplaying the “capricious nature” of basing hiring decisions on recruiters’ personal preferences. One system used by the small company Airtame analyzed the voice and facial expressions...