Abstract

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, understanding the psychological implications of human-AI interaction is crucial for developing systems that truly support human capabilities. This dissertation introduces “Cyborg Psychology,” an interdisciplinary, human-centered approach to understanding how AI systems influence human psychological processes. Cyborg Psychology also emphasizes applying these insights to design and develop AI systems that support human flourishing. Cyborg Psychology recognizes the complex, non-linear interactions between humans and AI, acknowledging that both can influence and shape each other in dynamic and often unpredictable ways. Informed by human-computer interaction, psychology, and behavioral sciences, this dissertation focuses on understanding AI’s impact on crucial cognitive and behavioral processes, including motivation, critical thinking, self-reflection, confidence, beliefs, biases, and more. In addition, the work presents several AI systems that apply psychological insights to support human cognition and behavior. For example, the “Wearable Reasoner” seeks to enhance human rationality, “Personalized Virtual Characters” aims to support learning motivation, and “Future You” is designed to encourage long-term oriented thinking and behavior. Employing a diverse array of research methodologies, this work proposes a framework for investigating the implications of interaction design choices. The ultimate goal is to empower the development of AI systems that foster human flourishing by nurturing intellectual growth, cultivating motivation, stimulating critical thinking, and preserving individual autonomy in decision-making.

Thesis Supervisor: Pattie Maes 
Germeshausen Professor of Media Technology, Program in Media Arts and Sciences

Thesis Committee

Yoon Kim, Assistant Professor in Electrical Engineering / Computer Science Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Jeremy Bailenson, Thomas More Storke Professor in the Department of Communication
Stanford University