Phyllis Nissila

IN YOUR FACE

Gaming geeks tell us your cell or iPhone could soon help regulate your feelings; it could become your (virtual) “emotional coach”.

Technology experts on a recent C-Span program described how those little cameras in communication devices and other gadgets will soon be able to analyze your moods by assessing the angst in, say, pursed lips or furrowed brow. Then “they” will offer ads for games and apps to relieve whatever it seems you’re suffering.

Mad? Angry Birds settle the nerves. Stressed? Pictures of zoo babies ease the strain.

By way of brave new technology, your two-way whizmatron will soon be able to mine the meaning of every twitch and grimace and then tout relief. Your face will become a gold mine for gamers.

IN YOUR HEART

There is a much better “Emotional Coach,” however, only this One is ancient, not new; He searches hearts not faces; He’s out for good, not gain. And His knowledge is not limited. Consider:

“O Lord, you have searched me / and you know me. / You know when I sit and when I rise; / you perceive my thoughts from / afar. / You discern my going out and my lying down; / you are familiar with all my ways” (Psalm 139: 1-3, NIV).

This “tracker” has known you from “before (He) formed (you) in the womb” (Jeremiah 1: 5), and when you ask Him for an assist, whatever your situation, it comes bought and paid for by His Son, Jesus (John 3:16).

“Call on me,” He says, “and I will answer (you; / I will be with (you) in trouble, / I will deliver (you) and honor (you) […]” (Psalm 91: 15).

And He’s available now.

“Give Him a call”?

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See http://doc.utwente.nl/64567/1/PanticBartlett-Chapter-FaceExpression-FINAL.pdf for an article on mechanical analyses of facial expressions.

See http://wn.com/jane_mcgonigal  delivering a TED talk on the individual and world-changing potential of games.

Photos from the public domain.