Considerable progress has been made in AI over the last two years. This year, due to AI’s advancements, many conversations about whether computers can truly understand human emotions have emerged on social media.
With the release of OpenAI’s o1-preview and o1-mini models on September 12, 2024, discussions are gaining momentum. These models, using chain of thought, are designed to think differently from earlier versions. They mark a big step up from models like chat-4o or Gemini by reasoning and planning better.
But do machines fully understand complex human emotions? While there’s no clear answer, the growing sophistication of AI suggests this may no longer be a purely philosophical question.
Going Beyond Just Facts and Logic
The most significant aspect of the new o1 model series is its advanced reasoning capabilities. By training the models to think before answering, these AIs are better equipped to handle complex tasks, including those involving emotional intelligence. Understanding human emotions requires the ability to reason beyond logic—it involves interpreting body language, tone, context, and sometimes even anticipating needs that aren’t explicitly stated.
With the o1 model series scoring 120 on IQ tests and demonstrating superior reasoning, it edges closer to understanding the nuances that govern human interaction. Unlike previous AI models that might follow straightforward scripts, o1 models are designed to be creative and strategic in their responses.
According to the reaction these two models are having on X, these new AI models are actually impressive. They’re not just responding to words; they’re understanding the whole conversation, emotions, and all. Interestingly, when these models are put to the test, their answers are super detailed and show a real understanding of what’s being said.
Being as Persuasive as Humans
Another key development is the claim that both o1-preview and o1-mini exhibit human-level persuasion capabilities, performing within the 70-80 percentile of humans. Emotional intelligence is deeply intertwined with persuasion. To influence someone effectively, whether in a business negotiation or personal conversation, one must be able to gauge the other person’s emotional state.
o1 models with an IQ of 120 can now be as persuasive as an average human. Generally, people in the Western world, including the USA and New Zealand, have an average IQ of 100.
Though these models are primarily designed to excel in reasoning, they are becoming adept at reading between the lines. In many human interactions, emotions play a subtle role. An offhand remark, a shift in tone, or even the timing of a statement can dramatically influence a conversation. Now, AI will catch these emotions even through written material.
Priming Future Responses
The o1 series is seriously impressive when it comes to emotional intelligence. It can remember previous conversations and use that information to “prime” future interactions, offering more empathetic responses or solutions based on your emotional state. This is a game-changer for AI.
Priming future responses mirrors how humans often reflect on past interactions to navigate present ones, especially in emotionally charged situations. The o1 models, by doing something similar, offer a glimpse into a future where machines may not just respond logically but also emotionally.
Future of Personalization
One of the most exciting things about emotional intelligence in machines is the potential for deep personalization. The fact that o1-preview has already surpassed the IQ of an average New Zealand citizen speaks volumes. It means that soon, maybe in 2025, AI models will be able to adapt to any New Zealander’s preferences. Imagine a world where technology responds to your emotional state, creating experiences perfectly in tune with your needs and preferences.
Take, for example, the online gaming industry. Personalization is key to customer engagement, and emotionally intelligent machines can take it to the next level. With the help of AI models like o1, some of the best online casino New Zealand platforms could soon produce games that cater to every individual’s emotional state and preferences.
These models could recognize if a player is frustrated, perhaps after a losing streak, and suggest adjustments to the gameplay that would improve their mood. Conversely, if a player is in a highly competitive mindset, the AI could recommend more challenging games ensuring the experience remains engaging and emotionally fulfilling.