Resumen
Extended Reality (XR) technology is poised to bring about a transformative shift in the future metaverse, with the potential to
reshape society profoundly. This transformation is particularly significant in light of ongoing requirements for social distancing
and the pervasive influence of social networks in our daily lives. It is conceivable that by 2030, individuals may spend more
time in the metaverse than in the physical world, emphasizing the significance of XR, especially in "social XR."
Social XR seeks to enable enriched multi-person interactions without physical presence, tapping into humanity's inherent
social nature. However, despite advancements in XR interfaces blurring virtual and physical boundaries, the two worlds are
not yet seamlessly interconnected. Current social XR platforms lack the implicit mechanisms governing social interactions
ingrained in our "social brain."
Social neuroscience research highlights the importance of implicit cues, both verbal and non-verbal, in shaping social
cognition. One crucial implicit cue is "social synchrony," where synchronized movements during social interactions foster
social cohesion and prosocial behavior. Emerging evidence suggests a physiological basis for these connections through
"neural synchrony" measured using "hyperscanning."
The EASIER project aims to enhance social XR interactions by incorporating the implicit brain mechanisms governing
physical-world social interactions into the virtual world using AI techniques. This novel approach introduces "Extended-Social
Reality," enriching virtual interactions with guidance from the social brain. Trustworthy AI algorithms will redefine social
dynamics within this extended-social reality, linking them effectively to the social brain's dynamics.
EASIER will create realistic avatars with modular physical resemblance to real-life counterparts, optimized for social
interaction and neural synchrony. It will be tested in real-world scenarios, particularly in learning tasks, enhancing
interactions between teachers and students in the Extended-Social Reality. Success will be measured through factors such
as information recall and various human social interactions, including empathy.
In summary, XR technology has the potential to revolutionize the metaverse and society, especially in social XR.
