Uncovering Emotional Contagion with AI

Researchers have used artificial intelligence (AI) to measure the risk of "emotional contagion" among relationship professionals, such as social workers and psychologists. Emotional contagion, the unconscious transfer of emotions, can lead to burnout and depression. By using AI software to measure facial expressions while participants viewed emotional film clips, researchers found that more reactive individuals are at greater risk of depression and less able to show compassion. This discovery could pave the way for early management and prevention strategies to help professionals in "caring" fields.