Current Peer-Reviewed Research (3 years) on the intersection of immersive technologies, AI and human psychology. Citations are in APA 7th edition. All articles here are open source. Reverse chron.
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Research Librarian: Sarah A. Barker
This review paper explores the landscape of Extended Reality (XReality) technology in conjunction with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Using the Web of Science (WoS), we selected 29 studies for review, focusing on trends in XReality combined with AI and categorizing them using the E3XReality framework. This framework emphasizes Ethics, Educational effectiveness, and Eudaimonia in XReality technology. Our analysis reveals that most studies were either perception surveys or literature reviews, with a focus on VR and MR rather than AR. AI was mainly used for providing actionable insights. The review suggests that current work primarily addresses educational effectiveness and more effort is needed to reach a state of Eudaimonia. The paper highlights challenges identified in the studies and provides future recommendations for utilizing XReality with AI in education.
The metaverse, a new digital realm merging reality and virtuality, offers a glimpse into a future of borderless human interaction. This article examines the multifaceted aspects of the metaverse, exploring its challenges and opportunities. It discusses societal challenges such as the digital divide, ethical concerns, trust issues, and potential impacts on social and physical realities. Amidst the creative possibilities, fundamental questions arise about human experiences like identity, empathy, relationships, satisfaction, and the nature of reality. The metaverse challenges us to redefine human interaction boundaries while being mindful of its vast potential. Moving towards a humane metaverse requires navigating the complex interplay between technology and humanity, aiming for a future where the virtual world enriches rather than diminishes human experiences.
Traditionally, moral psychology has centered on humans, other animals, and supernatural beings. However, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has introduced a fourth category: intelligent machines. These machines can act as moral agents, making decisions impacting human outcomes or resolving moral dilemmas autonomously. They can also be viewed as moral patients, influenced by human decisions and crucial for human-machine cooperation. Additionally, machines can serve as moral proxies, acting on behalf of human agents or concealing their involvement in moral interactions.
In this review, we explore the experimental literature on machines as moral agents, patients, and proxies. Emphasizing recent findings, we address open questions arising from these roles, highlighting the evolving landscape of moral psychology in the context of AI advancements.
This article addresses the emerging concerns surrounding data privacy in consumer neurotechnology. Through a nationwide survey, it examines public perceptions of brain data to contribute empirical evidence to discussions on law and policy regarding brain data governance.
The survey findings suggest that the public may view certain brain data as less sensitive than traditional private information like social security numbers but more sensitive than some public information such as media preferences. Additionally, not all inferences about mental experiences are perceived equally sensitive, indicating a nuanced approach is needed in ethical and policy discussions.
Enhanced understanding of public perceptions regarding brain data can inform the development of ethical and legal norms concerning consumer neurotechnology, bridging the gap between societal expectations and regulatory frameworks.
In the fast-paced world of the 21st century, rapid technological advancements are reshaping societies and presenting unique challenges to neuroscience. Among these advancements, virtual reality (VR) technology stands out for its significant contributions to both basic and clinical neuroscience. This review aims to analyze the beneficial effects, applications, and potential adverse impacts of VR on brain health.
Using the PRISMA framework, this review surveyed electronic databases including Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, Scopus, Taylor & Francis Online, and Wiley Online Library. The analysis focused on recent studies (within the last five years), which accounted for over half of the articles reviewed, showcasing cutting-edge approaches and results. Review papers constituted about 16% of the total articles.
The findings reveal a growing interest in VR applications across various fields, including perception, cognitive and motor imagery, and neuroplasticity research. VR environments offer valuable insights for both healthy individuals and patient populations, particularly in neurotherapy and neurorehabilitation. However, alongside its benefits, concerns about potential negative consequences for users are also highlighted.
Overall, this review underscores the transformative potential of VR in advancing neuroscience research, emphasizing the need for ongoing exploration, validation, and standardization of VR-based methodologies across interdisciplinary teams comprising virtual developers, informatics specialists, neuroscientists, and medical professionals.
This systematic review addresses a gap in the literature regarding consumer engagement (CE) with artificially intelligent (AI-based) technologies. We analyze 89 studies using the PRISMA approach and identify three major themes in AI-based CE:
Increasingly accurate service provision.
Capacity for co-creating consumer-perceived value.
Reducing consumer effort in task execution.
Additionally, we develop a conceptual model that outlines AI-based CE antecedents (personal, technological, interactional, social, and situational factors) and consequences (consumer-based, firm-based, and human-AI collaboration outcomes). The review concludes by highlighting implications for theory development and practice, suggesting future research questions and strategies to enhance consumer-firm interactions.
This article integrates E. F. Schumacher’s social theory of technology with recent advancements in generative artificial intelligence (AI). Generative AI encompasses a range of machine learning technologies focused on simulating and automating human creativity, notably exemplified by OpenAI’s GPT-3 family (including ChatGPT and DALL-E). Despite being overshadowed in contemporary discussions on AI, Schumacher’s 1973 work "Small is Beautiful" offers pertinent insights and concepts crucial for developing a humanist approach amidst computational realities. Focusing on Schumacher’s concept of ‘intermediate technology,’ this paper argues that his emphasis on the social dimensions of human creativity and the significance of scale provides a distinctive framework for (a) addressing emergent ‘pathologies of meaning’ and (b) exploring alternatives to the dominant ideologies of digital transformation typified by FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) and Silicon Valley paradigms of scale.
This paper delves into a critical inquiry: How do virtual currency reward systems within the metaverse introduce cybersecurity risks, and what strategies can mitigate these risks? The expansive nature of the metaverse presents unparalleled opportunities but also exposes users to potential cyber threats. As individuals interact within virtual environments, conduct transactions, and earn rewards, they become susceptible targets for cyberattacks.
Drawing from an exhaustive review of existing literature, this research identifies gaps in current cybersecurity protocols within virtual currency reward systems of the metaverse. Through a detailed case study, we elucidate the practical consequences of these vulnerabilities, providing a concrete understanding of potential threats. Our methodological approach integrates qualitative analysis and conceptual modeling to dissect the intricate interplay between reward systems and their cybersecurity ramifications.
The results of this study, derived from rigorous analysis, unveil a series of best practices designed to mitigate cybersecurity threats specific to virtual currency reward systems. These distilled insights encompass a range of preventive and reactive strategies tailored to address the unique challenges posed by virtual currency systems. This research holds significant relevance for a diverse audience including metaverse users seeking secure experiences, businesses venturing into this digital realm, cybersecurity professionals grappling with new challenges, and platform developers striving for robustness.
The metaverse, characterized as a virtual realm enabling user interaction, creation, and digital asset transactions, signifies an emerging frontier in human interaction and commerce. Nevertheless, navigating the legal complexities of this space remains challenging and evolving, particularly concerning intellectual property rights, privacy concerns, and jurisdictional issues. This paper endeavors to delineate the legal hurdles associated with the metaverse and propose potential remedies to mitigate them.
The application of intellectual property laws within the metaverse poses intricate challenges due to the nature of virtual environments and online communities, which involve extensive data collection and sharing. A multifaceted approach encompassing technical, organizational, and legal strategies may be imperative to safeguard intellectual property rights effectively.
Furthermore, determining jurisdictional authority within the metaverse remains ambiguous as virtual realms and online communities transcend international boundaries and intersect with diverse legal frameworks. Jurisdiction in this context pertains to the capacity of governments or legal systems to govern and enforce regulations within virtual environments.
In conclusion, this paper underscores the necessity for interdisciplinary frameworks to comprehend and tackle the legal intricacies inherent in the metaverse. It advocates for the development of tailored legislation, regulations, and policies that strike a balance among the varied interests of stakeholders involved in this evolving digital landscape.
Virtual reality (VR) has gained popularity in studying human behavior and brain functions, yet its true nature remains debated. Past assessments mainly relied on self-reported presence, lacking objective comparisons with real-life experiences. This study compared real-life, VR, and 2D laboratory height exposures using EEG and HRV measures. Findings suggest that real-life and VR experiences evoke similar cognitive and emotional responses, distinguishable from the 2D setup. However, sensory processing differences highlight VR's potential for haptic improvement. Overall, photorealistic VR can mimic reality, facilitating controlled investigations of real-world cognitive and emotional processes in laboratories.
The metaverse is gaining significant attention as the next evolution of the internet, promising new business opportunities for companies. However, similar to experiences with artificial intelligence, there are potential ethical and social implications that need careful consideration. In our white paper, "Social and Ethical Challenges of the Metaverse," we outline the nature of the metaverse, its technological components, and its origins. We then delve into the societal and ethical risks associated with its adoption.
Drawing from insights in responsible AI implementation, we argue that companies with robust governance and cultural frameworks are better equipped to handle the social and ethical challenges posed by the metaverse. While predicting the future remains uncertain, these companies are prepared due to their proactive measures in addressing risks and fostering responsible technology use. The white paper serves as a guide for navigating the complex landscape of the metaverse while promoting ethical practices and societal well-being.
The rising prominence of the metaverse, characterized by persistent virtual worlds in virtual or augmented reality, presents both opportunities and risks for mental health. This viewpoint article integrates evidence from video games, social media, and virtual reality to anticipate the metaverse's impact on mental well-being.
Individual differences in technological usage, developmental stage, socio-demographic context, and prior mental health conditions will influence how people experience the metaverse's effects on mental health. This diversity highlights the need for collaborative efforts among researchers, clinicians, and individuals with lived experiences to understand and address the metaverse's impact on mental health. Such efforts can inform policy-making, technological development, and counseling strategies, ensuring a balanced approach to integrating the metaverse into everyday life.We identify two categories of mechanisms related to mental health: experiences or behaviors enabled by the metaverse and those displaced by it. While the metaverse can offer benefits like control over virtual environments, cognitive stimulation, social connections, and a sense of competence, it also carries risks such as addictive behaviors and the potential displacement of offline activities crucial for mental health, like sleep and social interactions.
The use of commercial virtual reality (VR) environments has grown significantly in recent years, but motion sickness remains a major issue, hindering widespread adoption. Current subjective measurement methods for virtual reality induced symptoms and effects (VRISE) are inadequate, necessitating the use of objective physiological and biomechanical measures. While VRISE's exact causes are debated, reducing sensory conflicts and adhering to specific VR guidelines can mitigate symptoms. Factors like field of view (FOV), resolution, frame rate, motion-to-photons latency, content intensity, and navigation speed influence VRISE severity. Adaptation occurs with repeated exposure, but cognitive changes and decreased postural control remain concerns. Further research is required to address VRISE and improve VR usability.
Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, widespread health measures have led to increased reliance on digital platforms for social interactions, work, education, and recreation. Social virtual reality (VR) platforms have emerged as significant alternatives, enabling users to engage in various activities, from socializing to mental health treatments. This paper proposes a framework to assess how avatars representing diverse body types and demographic characteristics can influence behaviors and identity in social VR environments.
Drawing from social identity theory and theories of intersectionality, this theoretical study focuses on digitally created human-like bodies in VR. It examines the potential impacts of avatar representation on social interactions, including dynamics related to social isolation and online personas. The framework aims to uncover both challenges and benefits associated with virtual reality platforms and digital body representations, shedding light on their role in shaping remote social dynamics during times of restricted physical interactions.
The Metaverse represents an evolutionary step in internet technology rather than a revolutionary concept. Currently, diverse 3D virtual worlds serve different purposes such as meetings, education, and gaming, accessible through computers, smartphones, and VR devices like haptic gloves. However, these platforms lack seamless interconnection, hindering the reuse of user information and avatars across applications.
Despite projections by research firm Gartner that a quarter of people will spend significant time in the Metaverse by 2026, this vision has yet to fully materialize. This delay offers an opportunity for society and academia to engage in meaningful discussions. This article aims to contribute to this discourse by defining the Metaverse, discussing its potential types and purposes, predicting its arrival and required conditions, and exploring the psychological impact on users.
As the Metaverse blurs the line between physical and virtual worlds, it will profoundly affect socialization, roles, perception, and the humanization of AI. Unlike previous studies focused on specific cohorts, the Metaverse's impact spans across wide segments of society, necessitating a fresh approach to understanding its implications. The article delves into how AI, consciously or subconsciously, may influence human behavior in this evolving digital landscape.
This narrative review synthesizes findings from 386 previous works on virtual reality-induced symptoms and effects, focusing on cybersickness, visual fatigue, muscle fatigue, acute stress, and mental overload. While these issues are typically studied independently, the increasing consideration of VR as a PC replacement in workplaces necessitates a holistic approach. The review examines 57 articles related to office-like tasks in VR.
Cybersickness, influenced by numerous factors, can hinder VR adoption in the workplace and requires further theoretical consensus. Visual fatigue, exacerbated by vergence-accommodation conflicts, is a notable concern compared to traditional screen use. Muscle fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort in VR depend on task complexity and interactions. Acute stress can arise from technostress, task demands, time pressure, and public speaking scenarios. Furthermore, VR may lead to mental overload due to task complexity and interface intricacies.
The review proposes a research agenda to address VR ergonomics and workplace-related risks, highlighting the need for more comprehensive studies and interventions in this evolving domain.
In 2021, the metaverse and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) emerged as top tech trends, as per Google Trends. Our review delves into their potential applications in treating mental health disorders, considering the rapid technological advancements shaping human life.
The metaverse, an amalgamation of VR and physical reality in a digital space, holds transformative potential for the internet, with NFTs playing a pivotal role. This immersive 3D environment offers customizable experiences that could revolutionize mental health treatment methods. VR, AR, and MR have shown promise in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, addressing issues like access to care and professional shortages.
However, concerns arise from excessive screen time, especially among young adults immersed in 3D games and social media. This behavior correlates with negative mental health outcomes like insecurity, anxiety, depression, and addiction. Moreover, prolonged social media use affects attention span and exacerbates symptoms in individuals with ADHD.
Our review aims to uncover the implications of expanding metaverse applications on mental health, a topic yet unexplored in existing literature.
This editorial introduces the current Special Issue of Translational Issues in Psychological Science, focusing on the use of Virtual Reality (VR) for psychological applications. The diverse topics covered in this themed issue highlight VR's potential for addressing various challenges in clinical research and practice within psychology. The articles emphasize the importance of translational research in designing, developing, and evaluating VR applications in psychology, highlighting its potential impact on future clinical practice and research.
Furthermore, psychologists' expertise is highlighted as crucial in interdisciplinary approaches that enhance the creation, relevance, and value of VR across various application areas. This Special Issue aims to showcase the significant role of VR in advancing psychological science and its potential to transform clinical practices and research methodologies.
