Samsung wants to help autistic children be more social with its new app

While some believe smartphones and tablets may be turning some of us into screen-staring data drones, Samsung has launched a new app that aims to treat the inability to make eye contact — a symptom of autism. Developed with Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Yonsei University’s department of psychology, the company’s Look At Me app allows autistic children to run a series of games, challenges and tests designed to improve their ability to make eye contact, and enhance their social skills. According to a survey conducted by Samsung, based on parental feedback, the app helped roughly 60% of the 20 children who used it over eight weeks. Look At Me presents six missions for users to complete, and recommends a daily usage of at least 15 to 20 minutes. One challenge requires users to practice forming certain facial expressions (“Expression of the Day”), while another prompts them to practice drawing facial features over existing photos. Each challenge delivers points based on a user’s performance.