New software helps `overcome social phobias through virtual conversation`

Melbourne: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is building new software to coach people on how to interact with others in social situations. The virtual personality can be used to help people practice their interpersonal skills until they feel more comfortable with situation, News.com.au reported. The program called MACH- My Automated Conversation coach- presents a digital character on the screen while using speech and face recognition tools to pick up on your behaviour. The software, which can run on a laptop with a webcam and microphone attached, assesses users` voice tone, posture and behaviour to give them pointers on how to improve their interpersonal skills. ANI