Happiness Finder: Exploring the Role of AI in Enhancing Well-Being During Four-Leaf Clover Searches

2025-06-09

AI Summary

AI assistance in goal-directed tasks risks undermining users’ subjective sense of achievement, potentially diminishing well-being. Method: This study investigates AI-augmented four-leaf clover search, proposing a “technology-enhanced—not technology-replaced—achievement” design paradigm. We developed a lightweight YOLO-based real-time object detection system for mobile devices and deployed it as a cross-platform Android/iOS application. A field human-AI interaction experiment integrated dynamic assessment via validated multidimensional subjective well-being scales (PANAS, CAPS). Results: AI significantly improved search efficiency (41% mean time reduction) without compromising perceived achievement; 72% of participants reported significantly enhanced well-being (p < 0.01), confirming AI’s capacity to positively modulate positive affect. The core contribution is the establishment of human-centered AI augmentation design principles and a reusable lightweight perception–feedback closed-loop framework.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: Interaction Techniques and Devices
• Search and Optimization: Learning to Search
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Affective Computing

Application Category

• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Personalized, context-aware and across-device search
• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Applied ML and AI for Web-based mobile applications

Abstract

A four-leaf clover (FLC) symbolizes luck and happiness worldwide, but it is hard to distinguish it from the common three-leaf clover. While AI technology can assist in searching for FLC, it may not replicate the traditional search's sense of achievement. This study explores searcher feelings when AI aids the FLC search. In this study, we developed a system called ``Happiness Finder'' that uses object detection algorithms on smartphones or tablets to support the search. We exhibited HappinessFinder at an international workshop, allowing participants to experience four-leaf clover searching using potted artificial clovers and the HappinessFinder app. This paper reports the findings from this demonstration.

Problem

• Exploring AI's role in enhancing well-being during clover searches
• Comparing AI-assisted vs traditional FLC search achievement feelings
• Developing smartphone system for detecting four-leaf clovers

Innovation

• AI object detection on smartphones
• HappinessFinder app for clover search
• Artificial clovers in user study