Affective intelligence - the missing link?

Scientists have recently learned of many surprising roles played by human emotion - especially in cognitive processes such as perception, decision making, memory, judgement, and more. Moreover, psychologists have redefined human intelligence to include emotional intelligence, especially the ability to accurately recognise and express affective information. This paper suggests that 'affective intelligence', the communication and management of affective information in human/computer interaction, is a key link that is missing in telepresence environments and other technologies that mediate human/human communication. This paper discusses new research in affective intelligence, and how it can impact upon and enhance the communication process, allowing the delivery of the more natural interaction that is critical for a true sense of telepresence.