Measuring the emotions

Technology has made us transparent. Where we have been, where we go, what we buy. The internet knows everything: our sexual preferences, our relationships, our political opinions. Does it also recognise our feelings? Scientists all over the world are working on making what moves us technically readable. They measure facial expressions, language and gestures. They create avatars that react empathetically to real people and can interpret our emotions. The documentary goes on a journey into the world of emotions and shows what is technically possible and what visions the researchers have for the future. Virtual therapists already support psychologists in diagnosing depression and trauma. Robots with empathic abilities assist teachers in the classroom. Data glasses transmit how we are feeling in real time. Permanent self-observation is supposed to increase our personal happiness. But what are these fascinating new possibilities really doing to us? “Emotional navi” or intuition: what do we want to trust? Science author Ulrich Schnabel has analysed the emotional landscape of our digital world. He shows how algorithms influence our mood and our love life and what makes feelings a highly sought-after commodity.

Broadcast date:Dienstag, 15. November 2016 um 14:30 Uhr auf ZDFinfo
Length:52 Min.
Written and directed by:Luise Wagner
Camera:Jonas Sichert
Editor:Jonas Sichert
Editorial advisor:Ann-Christin Hornberger
Production:Ulrike Römhild
Line producer:Anke Meyer
Producer:Luise Wagner
Executive producer:Hartmut Klenke
Filming location:Los Angeles, Boston, Lissabon, Den Haag, Berlin