Have you ever wondered if technology could capture something as uniquely human as empathy? Researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University have crafted an innovative video analytics framework that uses machine learning to gauge empathy by spotting emotional mimicry during conversations. Instead of leaning on self-reported questionnaires like the Empathy Quotient (EQ) or the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ), this approach reads between the lines – and faces – to offer a more objective measure.
Lead researcher Li Cui shares, “Our research is sparked by the recent AI revolution, which, as Huang and Rust (2021) describe, ushers in a new ‘feeling economy’.” This fresh perspective shifts our focus from traditional tasks to the importance of emotional connections. By analysing CEO interviews with journalists, the team is unveiling how empathetic leadership can translate into fairer corporate practices, such as safer work environments and more balanced compensation. The framework’s grounding in neuroscience hints that leaders who mirror others’ emotions might also cultivate more supportive workplaces.
Looking ahead, the researchers are keen to extend their framework to varied video contexts – from social media clips to cross-cultural settings – to further validate their insights. They’re also refining their methods to cut down on biases when interpreting nonverbal cues, and they plan to adapt similar techniques to assess other human traits, like assertiveness and trustworthiness. If you’ve ever wrestled with measuring soft skills, this development offers a practical tool to help organisations better understand and nurture these qualities.
