Research is being conducted worldwide to understand a person’s character based on the short text messages exchanged online. Researchers at Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) have developed a method to probe a person’s inner state by utilizing AI intelligently. In this experimental study, AI analyzes social media data to infer not only intelligence and personality traits but also mental health conditions—such as schizophrenia and depression—and lifestyle habits like alcohol consumption and smoking. For instance, the system identifies a “tendency toward schizophrenia” based on characteristics such as significant fluctuations in character count across successive posts. Technologies for assessing health status are also under development. In one such initiative, a Los Angeles-based fashion house and a university have collaborated on a project involving fiber-optic garments used in light-show performances. These garments synchronize with the wearer’s pulse: red light intensifies as the heart rate quickens, while blue light becomes dominant as the heart rate slows. This technology enables the analysis of emotions expressed through social media interactions.
Once emotions are understood, the natural desire is to steer them toward a state of pleasure. Methods to induce such pleasurable feelings are also being developed. The Swiss company Ovomind has created an AI system that analyzes a player’s emotions via a smartwatch-style device. This wearable device captures biometric data such as heart rate, perspiration levels, and skin temperature. By analyzing this biometric information, the system can reflect the user’s emotional state in real-time within games like *Super Mario*. The AI processes the biometric data to identify emotions across eight categories, including excitement, stress, and boredom. This real-time integration of biometric analysis into the game’s progression enhances the player’s sense of immersion. The detected emotional states are displayed on a smartphone in real-time, triggering changes in game elements—such as background music, dialogue, and subtitles—based on the player’s emotions. For instance, it is possible to accumulate data on when children become excited or bored while immersed in a game. By analyzing these reactions to specific moments, developers can apply those insights to future game creation.
For seniors, a key desire is to enjoy their later years. Fulfilling activities typically incorporate three elements: physical movement, mental engagement, and social interaction. Consider a local table tennis group, for example; members gather to practice on set days each week. They train with the goal of defeating their rivals in matches, devising creative strategies to gain the upper hand during rallies. These games and practice sessions serve as opportunities for both mental stimulation and social connection. The commitment to attending practice often encourages members to maintain a disciplined, healthy lifestyle in their daily routines. Such group practice sessions—along with training regimens tailored to individual needs—become an integral part of a fulfilling life for seniors. If they can consciously recognize and appreciate the joy derived from these activities, they may be able to enjoy their lives even more.
