Computers could offer praise and reassurance when they detect you getting stressed

For most of us computers are source of stress as we get error messages, spinning beach balls and random crashes blighting our use of them. But they could soon help us cope better in stressful or emotionally difficult situations by providing a few words of support. Researchers are developing an algorithm that aims to offer praise and reassurance just when people need it. Computers are more often a source of stress, but they could soon be offering emotional support and words of encouragement to their users. Using a computer for long periods of your day can damage your mental health, according to one of the biggest studies into the hazards of modern office work practices.