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Ever wonder if that friend or co-worker on the other end of the phone is really paying attention? The ‘Jerk-O-Metre’ may hold the answer. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are developing software for cell phones that would analyse speech patterns and voice tones to rate people — from 0 to 100 — on how engaged they are in a conversation. Anmol Madan, who led the project pursuing a Master’s at MIT, sees the Jerk-O-Metre as a tool for improving relationships, not ending them. “Think of a situation where you could actually prevent an argument,” he said. “Just having this device can make people more attentive because they know they’re being monitored.” The research, which he expects to finish in six months, uses mathematical algorithms to measure levels of stress and empathy in a person’s voice. It also keeps track of how often someone is speaking. “It’s an academically proven thing,” Madan said of the math behind measurements. For now, the Jerk-O-Metre is set up to monitor the user’s end of the conversation. If his attention is straying, a warning message pops up on the phone: “Don’t be a jerk!” or “Be a little nicer now.” A score closer to 100 would prompt, “Wow, you’re a smooth talker.” It could also be set up to test the voice on the other end of the line. Then it could send the tester such reports as: “This person is acting like a jerk. Do you want to hang up?” |