EMOTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY

Course Description

In today’s digital world, our emotions are constantly shaped and influenced by the technology we interact with daily—from social media and games to learning platforms, computers, and mobile devices. Often, we don’t realize the extent to which these digital environments manipulate our emotional responses, but the impact is profound and deeply embedded in our experiences. Historically, media has harnessed the power of emotion to engage us, such as how music enhances the emotional depth of film. Imagine watching a movie without any music or sound—how would that affect your experience? This simple exercise highlights the powerful role that emotion plays across different media. This course explores the emotional and affective dimensions of our interactions with technology, focusing on the interplay of emotions within, among, and between various platforms. We’ll delve into a variety of technological contexts, including electronic and multimedia games (from computer-based to AI-driven and mobile platforms), while emphasizing the impact of artificial intelligence on our emotional engagement. Together, we’ll investigate questions like: How do digital tools influence our moods, attitudes, and behaviors? In what ways does AI tap into and shape our emotions? What affective dimensions can be identified within machine learning? Through analysis, hands-on exploration, and critical reflection, students will gain insight into how emotion and technology intersect and shape our digital experiences. This course invites you to critically assess the emotional layers of our digital landscape and to consider the broader implications of an increasingly AI-driven world.