Introduction. Virtual Reality Based Therapy (VRET) is one of the last frontiers in treatment of specific phobia, the most part of these treatment are delivered in prebuilt virtual world. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in virtual environments in a shared place, such as the metaverse, presents new opportunities for therapeutic interventions in mental health. This study explores the application of AI-powered avatars, equipped with ChatGPT, within a metaverse-based space to support systematic desensitization strategies for individuals with social anxiety. Particularly we have explored the effect of these AI-enhanced virtual interactions in activation of anxiety trought the measurement of electrophysiological parametres connected to the activation of anxiety (galvanic skill conduptance and heart rate) and user perception. A mixed-methods approach is employed, combining quantitative measures (such as anxiety level assessments in real interaction and virtual interactin with the avatar) with qualitative feedback from participants. Our initial findings suggest that AI-driven avatars can facilitate gradual exposure to social situations, allowing individuals to build confidence and reduce avoidance behaviors in a low-risk interaction. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted within a metaverse environment created using Meta Horizon. To simulate naturalistic interactions, the Wizard of Oz (WoZ) technique was employed, ensuring a seamless and realistic interaction for participants. To measure anxiety activation during these interactions, biometric data were collected using the GazePT Biometrics, specifically for galvanic skin conductance and heart rate monitoring. Results. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the role of the metaverse in digital therapeutics, highlighting potential benefits and limitations. The results aim to inform future implementations of AI-enhanced virtual environments for psychological interventions, providing valuable insights into their applicability in clinical and self-guided treatments for social anxiety disorder.

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AI-Powered Avatars in Metaverse for Social Anxiety Systematic Desensitization Treatment: A Pilot Study on Feasibility

  • Antonella Cavallaro,
  • Marco Romano,
  • Alessandro Gennaro,
  • Alessandro Frolli

摘要

Introduction. Virtual Reality Based Therapy (VRET) is one of the last frontiers in treatment of specific phobia, the most part of these treatment are delivered in prebuilt virtual world. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in virtual environments in a shared place, such as the metaverse, presents new opportunities for therapeutic interventions in mental health. This study explores the application of AI-powered avatars, equipped with ChatGPT, within a metaverse-based space to support systematic desensitization strategies for individuals with social anxiety. Particularly we have explored the effect of these AI-enhanced virtual interactions in activation of anxiety trought the measurement of electrophysiological parametres connected to the activation of anxiety (galvanic skill conduptance and heart rate) and user perception. A mixed-methods approach is employed, combining quantitative measures (such as anxiety level assessments in real interaction and virtual interactin with the avatar) with qualitative feedback from participants. Our initial findings suggest that AI-driven avatars can facilitate gradual exposure to social situations, allowing individuals to build confidence and reduce avoidance behaviors in a low-risk interaction. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted within a metaverse environment created using Meta Horizon. To simulate naturalistic interactions, the Wizard of Oz (WoZ) technique was employed, ensuring a seamless and realistic interaction for participants. To measure anxiety activation during these interactions, biometric data were collected using the GazePT Biometrics, specifically for galvanic skin conductance and heart rate monitoring. Results. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the role of the metaverse in digital therapeutics, highlighting potential benefits and limitations. The results aim to inform future implementations of AI-enhanced virtual environments for psychological interventions, providing valuable insights into their applicability in clinical and self-guided treatments for social anxiety disorder.