A recent academic study evaluated the effectiveness and intentions of employers in using artificial intelligence (AI), as well as how this technology is perceived by employees who will be the subjects of the research.

Emotion tracking AI is a subcategory of artificial intelligence that helps machines understand human emotions. This may include interpreting facial expressions, tone of voice, and eye movements at specific points in time.

The report points out that emotion tracking AI has been applied in various industries such as call centers, finance, banking, and healthcare. Data shows that over 50% of large employers in the United States analyze and monitor employees in this way, but what impact does it have on humans?

How do employees react to the use of emotion tracking AI?

Among the 289 people surveyed, there is a general concern about potential violations of their health and privacy. They are also worried about the negative impact it may have on their performance and feel uneasy about mental health discrimination.

A employee with multiple health conditions said, "Being aware that I am being analyzed actually has a negative impact on my mental health."

Although the intention of emotion tracking AI is to improve employee well-being in the workplace, its use may lead to the opposite result. The loss of privacy and confidence can weaken employees' sense of well-being.

Another employee diagnosed with a mental illness commented on the potential threat of emotion monitoring to their job prospects, stating, "They may think I am no longer suitable for this job and then dismiss me. They may think I am incompetent, not give me a raise, or believe that I am not working hard enough."