How AI is Learning to Understand Human Emotions (Polyvagel Theory)


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Mar 03 2025 27 mins  

In a world where technology is increasingly intertwined with human emotions, a new frontier is emerging—artificial intelligence that can understand how we feel. Imagine an AI system that doesn’t just analyze data but senses our emotional state through the words we choose, the way we describe our experiences, and even how consistently we check in with ourselves.

This isn't science fiction. Advances in natural language processing, psychology, and machine learning are making it possible for AI to interpret human emotions with surprising accuracy. Researchers are now using AI-powered systems to classify mood states based on self-reported text, combining insights from neuroscience and behavioral psychology to enhance human decision-making.

But how does an AI system detect emotions through words? What psychological theories guide its ability to distinguish between stress, motivation, or disengagement? And could this technology reshape how we interact with machines—perhaps even with one another?

Listen For

9:46 AI Can Accurately Estimate YOUR Emotional State

12:34 AI Detects Emotions Before Humans Do

18:41 Is this Ethical?

22:48 Answer to Last Episode’s Question From Guest Greg Wasserman


Guest: Michelle Baty, Neuro Psychologist

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Listen to Michelle on the Stronger by Design podcast with Michelle MacDonald


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