How Accurate Are Mood Rings in Reflecting Emotions?

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Mood rings operate based on liquid crystals that change color in response to temperature variations, which are believed to correlate with emotional states. While they can indicate general moods, their accuracy is limited due to individual differences in body temperature and external factors like moisture, which can damage the rings. Users often find them fun and nostalgic, recalling their popularity in childhood, but they are not reliable indicators of mood. Anecdotal experiences highlight that mood rings can sometimes signal emotions like anger, but overall, they are more of a novelty accessory than a serious emotional gauge. The conversation also touches on the historical context of mood rings and related products, like hypercolor t-shirts, while humorously referencing personal experiences with mood rings and their limitations.
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I don't really know where this thread belongs. I trust the mentor to move it, if necessary.

How do mood rings work? How accurate are they?

As always, any and all relevant information is appreciated.
 
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They're typically just liquid crystals, which change color based on temperature. The idea is that the bloodflow to your skin varies with your mental state, and the temperature changes accordingly. I assume warm = happy.

- Warren
 
Hehe, I remember a couple of years ago I got excited on a school trip and bought like three. As Chroot said, they're based on tempreture, and thus, they arn't very accurate. Since everyone has varrying outer body tempretures, they'll differ depending on the people they're on.

However, they are quite good at telling when I'm angry. I remember erupting, and my ring turned solid (angry color, I can't remember what it was).
 
just a fun little object meant to give conversation and wonder. my 8 year old loves wearing them.
 
I used to have one of them as a kid. I think everyone had one as a kid, didn't they? Anyway, yep, they work on body temperature. Apparently I'm always very calm (perpetually cold fingers).
 
I remember the global 'hyper colour' t-shirts no t so long ago, i guess they wotked on the same chemical principles very cool :)
 
they used to be more accurate when they were made of mercury iodine but they stopped using mercury in a lot of products when they realized it was hazardous for people... they aren't accurate, they rely off the heat index of the person, but as you know, the average person, in whatever state of frenzy, whether it be happiness, anger, or sadness, stays the average temperature. They are destroyed by water or even sweaty palms so there's no way for it to possibly dictate how you're feeling. its just a cute accessory that you amuse yourself with trying to find "what mood you're in" most of mine always broke before it lasted a week :-P

word of knowledge, do not wear into the shower... they turn black and stay black or a mixture of funky colors.
 
When I was a kid I thought mood rings were for girls. So I wasn't into that. I was into slap bracelets.
 
Reminds me of a story I heard;
My husband complained that he could never tell what kind of mood I was in until it was too late. So, in the interest of domestic harmony (and self-preservation), he bought me a mood-ring.

We have discovered that when I am happy, it turns a lovely aqua-marine. And when I am angry, it leaves a big, red welt on his forehead.

Maybe next time the cheap jerk will buy me a diamond!
 
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Next up:

How do lava lamps work?
Did polyester leisure suits ever really exist?
 

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