Introduction
Norberto Andrade, the author of “Computers Are Getting Better than Humans at Facial Recognition” is concerned about the consequences of the fact that modern technologies can determine the discrepancy between facial expressions and inner experiences. Such an opportunity threatens humanity, leveling the notion of a lie for good, becoming an intervention in private life, and a global threat to the existing social order.
Main body
To argue his point, Andrade proves that computers have learned to recognize emotions better than humans. Humans can recognize more than twenty facial expressions and correlate them with familiar emotional states (Andrade). However, humans lose to computers, able to identify complex emotions in 77% of cases. This technology is based on a facial movement coding system that decomposes emotional expressions into components (Andrade). Such technologies are beginning to be applied in real life, and soon Google Glass users will have access to the perfect emotion-reading technology.
Andrade explains the danger of the development of facial recognition technologies by taking away the right to lie. A small lie is an institution in the art of social survival (Andrade). People lie to remain polite or not to upset others; taking away this opportunity will revolutionize human relationships. The technology also expands the possibilities of governmental observation; not only actions but thoughts and feelings can now be observed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Andrade returns to the individual threat of smarter facial recognition technologies. On an individual level, the freedom to lie is a privilege of human autonomy and a right to privacy and freedom of expression. Human identity will be in danger of becoming monochromatic, losing diversity (Andrade). A person will lose the ability to adapt to contexts and act differently in various situations. Under the control of technology, people risk losing their humanity and becoming algorithmic, fearing condemnation for sincere emotions and thoughts.
Works Cited
Andrade, Norberto. “Computers Are Getting Better than Humans at Facial Recognition.” The Atlantic, Web.