In focus: Interoception
Interoception refers to the sense of the internal states of our bodies: everything from feeling one's own heartbeat, breath, hunger and thirst to visceral sensations such as butterflies in the stomach or fullness after eating. Interoception is intrinsically linked to emotion: perceiving a rapid heartbeat can amplify feelings of excitement or fear, while steady breathing often promotes calm. In fact, according to some theories125, our emotions themselves arise as a result of interpreting these bodily signals. However, awareness of these internal signals varies significantly between individuals; some readily detect changes in their heartbeat or stress levels, whereas others notice very little.
Recent developments in wearable devices give people easy access to information about their internal bodily processes, such as heart rate and breathing patterns, as well as offering a range of interesting creative opportunities. Some emerging technologies126,127 can even estimate heart rate and respiration from live video footage, though this typically requires the person being recorded to remain still.
Browser-based remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) demo estimating heart rate from live facial video via real time subtle skin-colour change; runs entirely in-browser128. Image shows live webcam feed and estimated heart rate. Demo. © P.V. Rouast / Rouast Labs.