Using fNIRS to Understand Adults' Empathy for Children in AI and Cybersecurity Systems

What is it about?

Empathy for children is critical for designing AI technologies such as virtual assistants and AI-based applications that may affect a younger age group. We present a work-in-progress study on whether functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which measures oxygenation levels in the prefrontal cortex, can be used as an objective measure of empathy.

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Why is it important?

Technology has never before been so prevalent in children's lives, so it is important for developers of AI-based applications to have empathy for the children using these products. Most existing methods of measuring empathy are prone to subjective bias, such as using surveys; we aim to evaluate if functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) can be used as an objective method.