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Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have found a way to read emotions using changes in skin conductance.
This method avoids using cameras and focuses on how the skin reacts to different feelings.
The study, led by Professor Shogo Okamoto and published in [_IEEE Access_](https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10718281), brings us closer to emotionally aware devices that could adapt to how we feel.
Skin conductance measures how the skin’s electrical properties change when we sweat.
These changes happen quickly, within one to three seconds of feeling something.
When people experience emotions like fear, joy, or sadness, their skin reacts differently, and these reactions can be measured and analyzed.
In the study, volunteers wore small probes on their skin while watching three types of video clips: scary scenes from horror movies, heartwarming family moments, and funny acts by comedians.
The scientists recorded how the skin conductance changed during these videos. Each clip was chosen carefully to trigger specific emotions at clear points.
The results showed some fascinating patterns. For example, the skin’s response to fear lasted the longest.
This might be because humans have evolved to stay alert to danger for survival. On the other hand, responses to family bonding were slower to build. The team believes this might be because such moments bring mixed emotions, like happiness and sadness, which may interfere with each other.
Meanwhile, humorous scenes triggered quicker reactions.
By studying these patterns, researchers found that they could make educated guesses about which emotions people were feeling based on how their skin conductance changed over time. While it’s not perfect yet, the technique showed promise in distinguishing between emotions like fear and the warmth of family bonding.
This research is exciting because it doesn’t rely on facial expressions, which may not always be available or accurate. Instead, skin conductance offers a new way to understand emotions through biology.
Combined with other technologies, this method could one day help devices like phones or smartwatches respond to your mood—whether you’re scared, happy, or feeling sentimental.
The work opens up possibilities for more personal and intuitive technology that understands how we feel, making our interactions with devices even smarter.