fNIRS and physiological measures when interacting online

The Influence of Technology on Social Interaction

There has long been an acknowledgment that social interactions are critical for mental and physical health, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and overall well-being. In the digital era, however, the nature of human interaction has evolved, and this has sparked scientific interest in understanding the implications of change. Online interaction, driven by technological advancements, has undoubtedly changed the way we connect, often replacing traditional face-to-face communication. However, there's a trend towards increased feelings of loneliness. Despite devices intended to enhance our sociability, the irony is that many individuals are so absorbed in them that they end up more alone. This study aims to delve into how technology has impacted social interaction, and how Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) offers a unique lens to study this phenomenon.

Why fNIRS?

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) offers an innovative way to study social interaction within the context of technology. Unlike other tools like fMRI and EEG, fNIRS is non-invasive and tolerant to body movement. By observing infrared light absorption levels in the brain, it provides insights into areas with oxygen-rich or oxygen-deprived blood. This technology is valuable in understanding the neural implications of online versus offline social interactions.

Study Design

In the proposed study, we aim to conduct a comprehensive examination of neural activity during both online and offline social interactions. Participants will be divided into three groups: a control group with no social interaction, an online social interaction group, and an offline social interaction group. We will explore different online tasks such as text messaging, face-to-face interaction (via platforms like FaceTime), or texting. The offline group, obviously, will speak with another person face-to-face. 

The duration of the study is anticipated to be three days for a within-subject group design. Although considerations are being made for other potential timelines and methods. Some questions being explored include: Should the online task mimic the social task? Should the comparisons be between interactive technologies like FaceTime versus face-to-face interaction, or more passive activities like texting?

Understanding the Impact

It is well-established that social interactions play a crucial role in overall well-being. Studies have shown significant benefits to mental and physical health, creativity, and cognitive development. The shift towards digital communication, however, has created new dynamics in human interaction that remain poorly understood.

Our study aims to bridge this gap, exploring the differential effects of online versus offline social interaction. The fNIRS technology will enable us to observe and analyze neural activity in various social scenarios, providing insights into the complex relationship between technology and human social behavior. This research could also shed light on why loneliness seems more pervasive despite technological advances intended to enhance social connectivity. Overall, this preliminary study provides a solid base to continue future fNIRs research exploring social interactions.