AI Has Feelings—Just Don’t Ask It Why

A new study claims today’s leading AI models outperform humans at understanding emotions...

Using five emotional intelligence (EI) assessments, including STEM, STEU, and GECo, the University of Geneva and UniBE researchers found models like GPT-4, Claude 3.5, and Gemini 1.5 selected the “correct” emotional response 81% of the time, compared to just 56% for humans. But here’s the catch: all tests were multiple choice. In other words, AI aced the emotional equivalent of a BuzzFeed quiz.

This isn’t emotional understanding, it’s statistical pattern recognition. Humans fumble in real-world emotional messiness, not in well-lit labs with clean prompts.

Yet systems like Aílton, used by thousands of Brazilian truck drivers, are showing promise—spotting stress, sadness or anger in real-time voice messages with 80% accuracy and triggering mental health support instantly.

There’s no doubt AI is good at simulating empathy. But do we confuse the mirror for the mind?

• AI scored 25% higher than humans on emotional tests.
• Real-world systems like Aílton outperform people in high-stress moments.
• Nuance, not accuracy, defines true empathy.

We’ve trained machines to mimic compassion. If emotional intelligence can be automated, what becomes of human connection, and do we risk outsourcing more than support?

Read the full article on New study claims AI 'understands' emotion better than us — especially in emotionally charged situations.

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