Media psychology sits at the intersection of technology, identity, and communication. Brain-computer interface (BCI) is redefining human-robot communication. BCI now uses “black box” technology systems to process thoughts that enable direct communication between a human and a robot. Instead of typing, moving a mouse, or using a touch screen, a human can now transmit thoughts to communicate, interact, and manage an avatar. Cobotic behavior is a concern for media psychologists and is rising on the research and applications agenda. There is a development boom going on in this area. This article explores brain computer interface (BCI), media psychology, and the importance of perception and the senses. It also highlights many of the areas that involve media psychology.

Human senses are woven into the fabric of cognition. Senses and feelings influence our decisions and memories. They shape our perception of reality. Fear sharpens attention. Joy opens the mind to new ideas. Sadness deepens reflection. Love can alter rational conclusions. Touch guides physical behavior and smell influences our actions.

Presently, BCI systems function through sensors that detect neural thought signals. These signals are carried through computer algorithms that decode the incoming signals from the human sender. Futurists predict that ways will be developed that function from direct cobotic thought management without the black box in between.

The media psychology of cobotic relationships can be explained through synesthesia. The word synesthesia comes from the Greek words syn (meaning “together”) and aisthesis (meaning “perception”). Everyone has some level of synesthesia. In perfecting synesthesia in avatars, AI-generated mimics that convey human emotions are created. These expressive avatars are part of the new world of mimics such as chatbots, avatars, and robots. An AI boom is underway analogous to the dot boom of the late 1990s.

Industry is investing in these new techniques that are reshaping world commerce. Industry examples include Nvidia, one of the largest technology companies in the world that has invested millions of dollars in artificial intelligence. Synesthesias, Inc., is developing avatars and programs that are involved with simulations combining application of the five senses—i.e., the ability to see, hear, touch, taste and smell. More examples of companies that are reshaping the software business include D-ID, Inc., HeyGen., Inc., Vidnoz, Inc., Elai.io, Inc., Genies Universe, Inc., and Spatial, Inc. There is a clear and necessary need and opportunity for media psychologists to work with this type of new venture. Also, avatars with the ability to mimic human behavior, emotions, and intelligence are now on the agenda in media psychology graduate programs and research.

Companies and universities are designing avatars that are increasingly smarter, faster, and more perfect mimics. This includes efforts in perfecting digital clones that perform as expressive avatars capable of human facial expressions from various types of prompts. Voice control is already quite advanced and improving. Think about your own experiences.

BCI also raises media psychology questions about the effect of technology on our brains. The media psychology of BCI has major implications in education, learning, health care, entertainment, public policy and commerce. Examples of theories needing research include attention, emotion, empathy, persuasion, memory, color, and the influence of touch and sound. The media psychology of cobotics is important in the fascinating world of blended senses.

Media psychology has embraced this complex world created by the blending of senses through technology.

New forms of robots, chatbots, avatars, and generated models continue to emerge. Avatars now introduce themselves with names such as “Hi, I’m Andy from Customer Service” or “I’m your shopping assistant,” creating the illusion of a human response. Such avatars offer statements such as “I’m excited to share X with you.” Avatars and chatbots use humor, small talk, casual phrasing, and mimic human social behavior. In marketing, expressive avatars are blending communication between virtual and real characters. There is a growing mimic market coming with surprising speed.

Clearly, there is a great deal for media psychologists to help resolve. Too many to explain in this brief article. Some of the additional issues requiring media psychology attention are the myriad ethical, moral, social, economic and emotional and legal concerns.

My purposes with this article are to highlight a call to action in media psychology, point out the present need and spotlight the value of media psychology in helping to chart the future of BCI as a force in social change. To keep up with the times, improve the future, remain relevant, and make critically needed contributions, universities with computer, communications, and media psychology programs need to be alert, involved, up to date, and responsive to this call to action.

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is triggering a paradigm shift.

References:

Cytowic, R. E. (2024). Your Stone Age brain in the screen age. MIT Press.

Luskin, B. (2019). Synesthesia, semiotics, semantics and how we learn. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com