A fad that became heavily popular in the 1970s, mood rings have long been thought to indicate the wearer’s emotion. Generally speaking, blue tends to represent a sense of calm or happiness, while black represents aggression or sadness, while the colors in between (green, purple, yellow, orange, red) tend to vary slightly depending on the ring. However, to believe that a ring that you can probably buy for a dollar is an accurate indication of emotion is, to say the least, naïve.
A mood ring works by measuring body temperature, or more specifically, the temperature of whatever finger it happens to be on. While there may be some vague credibility to the color coordination, it does not extend beyond assumption. For example, if blue is meant to indicate a state of calm or a sense of general happiness, the ring may be designed to turn blue when the wearer’s body temperature is average, neither elevated nor lowered, thus assuming that the person is calm at that body temperature. However, not every instance of anger rockets our blood pressure through the roof, just as someone can be perfectly calm but also sad, which would conflict with the idea that blue may indicate happiness.
If you happen to have a mood ring at home, you can try this out for yourself. Immerse the ring in warm water for a few seconds (let’s say ten, just to give it a chance to adjust to the new environment). Chances are, it will turn blue. Likewise, if you immerse the ring in cold water, it will most likely turn black. Still skeptical? Put it on your finger and do the same test again. The ring, despite your mood, will respond the same way.
Sources:
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5132658_mood-rings-mean.html http://www.healthynewage.com/mood-ring-color-chart.htm
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I had a mood ring once. I thought the color changed depending on the mood but now I know its the body temperature. I should have known…
ReplyDeleteHaha this is a great post. I agree, it is absurd to suggest that a ring can predict your mood. I don't know why it became such a fad, because why should you want a ring to tell your mood?? You should know it yourself. Up until I was 10 I believed it really was a "mood" ring but then I found out exactly what you're saying.. that it changes color based on temperature. Although I know mood rings cannot predict your mood, personally, I would still buy one just because it changes color, I think that alone is pretty cool, it doesn't have to determine my mood.
ReplyDeleteCreative title! I used to love going in to stores and trying mood rings on when I was younger. I don't know why we thought they worked! I guess it was because we were little girls and would believe practically anything we were told. Very interesting post!
ReplyDeleteI think mood rings are a gimmick for people to buy into. The color does not predict your mood. I definitely wanted one when I was little but now that I am older I see the nonsense behind it. The color just reacts with your body temperature. The one time I did try one on, the mood ring was so tight and instead of it turning colors, it turned my finger blue. ha. I really enjoyed this post!
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