Computers are no longer merely digital devices that provide data, instead they can now detect when you are angry, according to Professor Jerry Jenkins from Brigham Young University.
The professor from BYU says that the pattern of mouse usage can be used to detect varying emotions like anger, sadness, frustrating or even confusion. The study is based on in depth understanding of user behaviour and mouse usage patterns.- It was a timed test
- Each page would open very slowly
- There was negative marking for the wrong answer
The technology has now been patented and sold to a start up that is intent on continuing the research along with Jenkins. Mind control technology has been used for medical purposes like for prosthetic arms and for those with physical limitations but this current research would benefit user experience at large.
Future of Mind Control Technology
The advancement in computer usage and enhanced visitor experience is guaranteed on use of this technology.Websites will now be able to assess the mood of the visitor and remove aspects of the site that lead to anger.
- Websites like ticket websites will benefit from detecting frustration
- Websites can change user experience to encourage repeated visits
- Adoption into mobile technology would further improve website popularity. Only here instead of mouse movement, swipes will be considered.
Benefits of Mind Control Technology
For the user;- Websites will be intelligently designed to captivate the user
- Frustrating elements of websites will be avoided
- Easier navigation
- Websites will avoid elements that cause negative emotions among users
- Loyalty towards the website
- Decisions pertaining to purchase
- Use of technology
According to professor Jenkins, an angry user is more likely to move the mouse slowly and with jagged movements, though according to common knowledge, people believe that anger could lead to fast and irritated movements. An earlier study by researchers from Malaysia detailed the use of computer technology that detected lip movements of the user to determine the mood of the user.
As Jenkins says “ Being able to sense a negative emotional response, we can adjust the website response to eliminate stress or to offer help”. This technology will elevate user involvement, benefiting both the user as well as the website. Of course there is the added risk of better gaming experience which has its share of disadvantages!
References:
1. Martin Hibbeln, Jeffrey L. Jenkins, Christoph Schneider, Joseph S. Valacich, and Markus Weinmann; “Inferring negative emotions from mouse cursor movements”; MISQ Archivist3. http://news.byu.edu/archive15-dec-angrymouse.aspx