(Photo by Rita Kurtz. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian (L) and Rita Kurtz.

Consumer Electronics Show (CES), January 2020, Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Click link here to see quick video: DELTA: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning ).

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Me, Myself, & AIT–Artificial Intelligence Talkbots: Self-Talk and Emotional Self-Regulation with AI Talkbots and Parallel Reality Displays

By: Rita Kurtz

Monday, July 15, 2024

I. Relational and social correlational research idea

            Me, Myself, & AIT–Artificial Intelligence

Talkbots: Self-Talk and Emotional Self-Regulation with AI Talkbots and Parallel Reality Displays

II. Background

     Engaging in internal or external dialogue with oneself is referred to as "self-talk," which is a cognitive process. It functions as a beneficial technique for self-regulation in managing emotions and coping with stress. Expressing emotions, modifying cognitive patterns, and consistently practicing effective techniques have a significant influence on both mood and behavior (Junhyung et al., 2021, p. 1). Additionally, individuals can enhance their ability to communicate "distressing experiences" by utilizing improved psychological methods such as engaging in meaningful conversations (Levi-Belz & Lev-Ari, 2019). When studying the significance of self-talk, the idea of incorporating external techniques to discuss and resolve problems becomes intriguing, particularly in regard to mental well-being. This study investigates the integration of Artificial Intelligence Talkbots (AIT) or "chatbots" and Parallel Reality screens in public situations to enhance self-talk and communication.

     Artificial Intelligence (AI) perceives spoken language during conversation via phone calls or through personal intelligent assistants such as Siri, Alexa, or Google Play. Researchers conducted tests to support the usage of chatbots programmed to interact with individuals with mental health challenges. They specifically examined the effectiveness of products like Wysa, a mobile well-being app (Inkster et al., 2018). Talkbots employ a computer software program that imitates human communication. Talkbots can be installed on various devices such as cellphones, desktops, tablets, and similar devices. For instance, a recent study assessed the efficacy of a wellness application driven by artificial intelligence. In this study, the well-being of staff, students, and faculty at a university was assessed using Ajivar, an AI-powered life coach. The purpose of Ajivar was to enhance low emotional intelligence (EI) caused by stress (Sturgill et al., 2021, p. 2). Ajivar provides a chat session to every user who downloads the App on their smart device. The study found that AI applications have vast potential for improving mental health and producing positive outcomes (Sturgill et al., 2021, p.6). A potential method for combining AIT and self-talk involves utilizing a technology known as a Parallel Reality display. This advanced screen allows individuals to view distinct information about different people standing in front of it, using only their naked eye. The display offers a unique blend of public and private viewing capabilities. (Dietz & Lathrop, 2019, p.1). The public Parallel Reality displays, distinguished by their inherent privacy feature, can be found in various public locations such as malls and restaurants.

     By incorporating artificial intelligence, self-care practices, and Parallel Reality displays, it is possible to effectively manage stress in public areas. In January 2020, Delta Air Lines collaborated with Misapplied Science to introduce Parallel Reality displays at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (Kurtz, 2020). The Parallel Reality display experience enables customers to access their personal flight information discreetly, ensuring that it remains confidential and inaccessible to those nearby. The Parallel Reality display has the potential to be accessible to the general public, enabling a novel form of "shared experience" in which individualized content can be directed to each viewer without the need for specialist goggles (Dietz & Lathrop, 2019, p.1). Similar to Delta's display, every public venue, such as malls, airports, grocery stores, and other public spaces, might include Parallel Reality panels for seamless interaction with artificial intelligence. Utilizing this "tangible" or "simulated tangible" experience, in this instance, could mitigate anxiety in a communal setting. Installing Parallel Reality displays in various public areas could enhance the accessibility of self-care and self-regulation techniques in those locations. The public, yet private display has the option to engage in communication with an AI-powered information system to assist individuals in discussing their difficulties.

     The significance of communication, particularly in times of stress, reinforces the necessity for social connections. Ozbay et al. (2007) found that in order for an individual to have access to social support, it is important for them to be able to easily obtain it through social ties with others, groups, and the larger community. While self-talk can help reduce stress to some extent in self-regulation, it is important to explore the potential benefits of social support through AIT during times of stress. However, there is limited information available addressing the correlation between self-dialogue with AI chatbots, or the correlation between self-dialogue and Parallel Reality displays in terms of their capacity to offer comprehensive emotional support.

III. Research Questions

     Does the self-dialogue of AI chatbots have a correlate with their capacity to offer essential emotional support, particularly in a public setting? According to Ozbay et al. (2017), there is a need for additional research on the significance of communication accessibility and psychological resilience to stress. This research could provide support for the concept of public Parallel Reality screens. On the other hand, would it seem peculiar to engage in a conversation with a screen suspended in the air at an airport, shopping center, or eatery? Engaging in public communication with a mental health Artificial Intelligence Therapist (AIT) via a huge Parallel Reality display may sound like a concept from a futuristic science fiction film. However, this technique is being employed while placing fast food orders at a drive-thru in ecommerce. Why not implement public devices to aid in AIT? How can we nourish the psychological condition that yearns to adjust to the challenges of life and effectively manage stress? Furthermore, would it be feasible to communicate with a publicly accessible Parallel Reality display powered by artificial intelligence in order to immediately convey feelings of distress or annoyance? Will it mitigate stress or maybe aggravate the situation due to the presence of an audience when discussing the problem with the designated AIT?

IV. Hypothesis 

     AI chatbots that interact with an individual during self-reflection will have a favorable correlation with their capacity to offer positive emotional assistance and promote improved self-control. Moreover, AI talkbots deployed in a public setting with a Parallel Reality screen have the potential to provide emotional assistance in times of naturalistic stress experienced by individuals in public spaces.

V. Variables

     The independent variable is the self-talk of AI chatbots, while the dependent variable is the ability of AI talkbots to provide emotional support.

VI. Methodology

     This study could involve doing a public environment experiment. Quasi-experimental research methods can be used to study the effects of AI talkbots on reducing stress in real-life situations, such as crowded subway stations. By documenting data prior to, and following the encounter, and by assessing participants' emotions, it is possible to quantify the impact of the AI talkbot and Parallel Reality displays on their stress levels.

     In order to measure the stress levels of the participants, the researchers will administer a 100-question Wellness Test Inventory questionnaire using a 5-point scale. The questionnaire will include several aspects such as self-care, social awareness, values, and other assessments (Owen, 1999). Participants will be required to fill out pretest and posttest questionnaires that assess their perceptions of the emotional support provided by AI chatbots. In order to participate in the Ajivar project, individuals will need to communicate with AI talkbots, as demonstrated by the use of Alexa and Google Play (Sturgill et al., 202, p. 3). In order to test the idea, it would be necessary to build an environment that enables the use of Parallel Reality screens connected with AI talkbots in different public locations. The data gathered from the pretest and posttest questionnaire will be assessed using correlation and regression analysis through application-based technologies.

VII. Significance

     This study aims to investigate the correlation between the ability of AI chatbots to engage in self-talk and their power to provide emotional support through App-based programs. Additionally, it will help determine if Parallel Reality displays provide assistance for the self-talk theory. The findings in the study can be applied to improve the design and development of AI talkbots showcased on Parallel Reality screens, ensuring they provide suitable emotional support to people. This research can also be utilized to formulate regulations concerning privacy and well-being, which advocate for the implementation of artificial intelligence talkbots in mental health and emotional support services. This study is considered revolutionary due to the scarcity of information available.

VIII. Conclusion

   Regardless of whether one perceives this study as a dystopian society with the dismal of civilization where humanity has entirely eradicated its interconnectedness ,or as a utopian society of utter bliss, utilizing both human connection with AI, the primary concern should be the safety and well-being of humanity. Effective communication is essential for navigating the unpredictable anomalies of mental health, whether it be through self-regulation, self-talk, AI, or the exhibition of the Parallel Reality.

     Additionally, certain laws may prohibit "too close" relations with humans, interjecting the need of true medical care. The law currently sides on the necessity of human contact during mental illness concerns, only with the integration of AI "within reason."
     Artificial Intelligence (AI) has recently emerged and will bring about significant and sudden transformations in the fields of medicine, education, and anthropology, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life. While AI can be expressive and useful in various ways, it lacks sentience, omniscience, and omnipotence, despite its attempts to portray itself as such. These technologies will never surpass the creative prowess of God; so, we must always acknowledge the ultimate authority in control. The Holy Bible proclaims in Isaiah 55: 8-9 "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' declares the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts"" (New American Standard Bible, 1960/2021). God is the one in control, even if AI "thinks" it can take over. Divine authority supersedes any perceived capability of AI to assume control.

References

Dietz, P. & Lathrop, M. (2019). Adaptive environments with parallel reality tm displays. 1-2. 10.1145/3306307.3328153.

Inkster, B., Sarda, S., & Subramanian, V. (2018). An empathy-driven, conversational artificial intelligence agent (wysa) for digital mental well-being: real-world data evaluation mixed-methods study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 6(11), e12106. https://doi.org/10.2196/12106

Junhyung, K., Kwon, J. H., Kim, J., Kim, E. J., Kim, H. E., Sunghyon, K., & Jae-Jin, K. (2021). The effects of positive or negative self-talk on the alteration of brain functional connectivity by performing cognitive tasks. Scientific Reports (Nature Publisher Group), 11(1) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-94328-9

Kim, J., Kwon, J.H., Kim, J. (2021). The effects of positive or negative self-talk on the alteration of brain functional connectivity by performing cognitive tasks. Scientific Reports 11, 14873. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-94328-9

Kurtz, R.  [@iamritaritarita]. (2021, January 11). Employing artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve a peaceful travel experience, delta air lines partnership with misapplied sciences plans on launching the first-ever. [video]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/B7MqQ6OHFMK/?hl=en

Levi-Belz, Y., & Lev-Ari, L. (2019). "Let's Talk About It": The moderating role of self-disclosure on complicated grief over time among suicide survivors. international journal of environmental research and public health, 16(19), 3740. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16193740

New American Standard Bible. (2021). Zondervan. (Original work published 1960)

Owen T. R. (1999). The reliability and validity of a wellness inventory. American journal of health promotion: AJHP, 13(3), 180–182. https://doi.org/10.4278/0890-1171-13.3.180

Ozbay, F., Johnson, D. C., Dimoulas, E., Morgan, C. A., Charney, D., & Southwick, S. (2007). Social support and resilience to stress: from neurobiology to clinical practice. Psychiatry (Edgmont (Pa.: Township)), 4(5), 35–40.

Pantoja, A. J. [@tallguytycoon]. (2023, February 22). Is this going too far. thoughts?. [video]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/reel/Co6PNGmgDvK/?igshid=MjkzY2Y1YTY= 

Sturgill, R., Martinasek, M., Schmidt, T., & Goyal, R. (2021). A novel artificial intelligence-powered emotional intelligence and mindfulness app (ajivar) for the college student population during the COVID-19 pandemic: quantitative questionnaire study. JMIR formative research, 5(1), e25372. https://doi.org/10.2196/25372

Author Note

Rita L. Kurtz- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4456-7784

No conflict of interest to disclose.

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to rita@preferredtalent.com or RitaKurtz@alumni.Harvard.edu 

Revised repost from February 17, 2024

Rita Kurtz (Ph.D. in progress) is a Harvard University Scholar and Thought Leader in multidisciplinary and cross-sector concentrations including Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology, writing, law, psychology, neuroscience, neurotheology, ethics, morals, divinity, diversity, anthropology, and the sciences. 

Rita is an interdisciplinary researcher and recent graduate of Harvard University with a master's degree from the Faculty of Arts & Sciences department. Studying under esteemed Harvard Law School Professor Roberto Mangabeira Unger (SJD), Harvard University Law Director of Intellectual Property Allan Ryan, including Dr. Cornel West (Presidential Candidate 2024), and Dr. Arthur Kleinman (Harvard Department of Anthropology and Psychiatry), gave her well-roundedness in the interdisciplinary studies of law, anthropology, philosophy, ethics, morals, media, religiosity, and politics making her a well-prepared Ph.D. candidate. Through the acquisition of a prestigious Cross-Registration Academic Scholarship from Harvard, she gained a broader academic perspective and cultivated a profound curiosity about making scholarly contributions to the discourse surrounding difficult existential inquiries. In light of her Harvard Professor Unger's discussions on ethical, moral, and legal ramifications of utilizing artificial intelligence and the effects of the Knowledge Economy, she further investigated these topics, gaining the implications of the historical Tocquevillian perspective on the underestimation of technology's role. Historical data such as history, religiosity, and technology, piqued her interest in investigating these future issues in an effort to offer deeper research and discussions to grapple with these AI existential issues.

While at Harvard University, Rita combined her professional skills in television and film and took part in several projects, such as being selected out of several candidates, to participate in a research study at the Langer Mindfulness Lab in the Department of Psychology which delved into the intense psychological effects of news medium's impact on the consumption and conveyance of news to the public. As a researcher at Harvard, she wrote two research papers and successfully presented them to a panelist of fellow Ph.D. scientists. The first paper researched Nutraceutical Skin Therapy: Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ganoderma lucidum, a study on how mushrooms may support youthful skin and aid in patients suffering from the autoimmune disease, sarcoidosis. The second delved into extensive research on Meat Analogues: Are We Making a Positive Political Advancement to Save the Planet? Or A Personal Health Choice that Barely Sustains Ourselves?, uncovering the unnatural ingredients masked in meatless burgers from Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger. She became a published nonfiction writer and a certified digital storyteller while at Harvard. 

In her undergraduate degree, her interdisciplinary studies in law, anthropology and philosophy, makes her a well-rounded research candidate. Her past academia undergraduate BBA studies covered a gamut of disciplines including writing legal briefs and law courses in Constitutional Law, Business Law I &II, Torts, Corporate Finance, Accounting 1 & 2, Human Resources, Business Policy, Political Science, Operations Management, Programming, Economics, Chemistry, Chemistry Lab, and Consumer Behavior. Her studies in computer programming, economics, anthropology, and philosophy, broadened her technical mindset for business.

Rita runs an online e-commerce store, RitaRitaRitaOnline.com and is the Director of Digital Media and Content Creator at www.PreferredTalent.com, gaining some experience with Python Programming language. She stays current on mainstream topics as a blogger, social media influencer, and actress/entertainer. As a world traveler, she divides her time between speaking, performing, and engaging in television, radio, and stage productions. She has covered tech news and innovations as a repeat spokesperson at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), MacWorld, and for Belkin Components, hence the nickname, “Gadget Girl.” Her past acting appearances aired on Lifetime, History Channel, Fox, and the Paramount Network, and landed her on an Emmy-nominated show. Her experience in media, led to a career in television, radio, movies, stage, and writing, gaining her the branding of RitaRitaRita.

As a prior executive producer, TV and radio host of a positive side of sports, life and entertainment variety show, her co-hosts included Pro-NFL players and Industry Professionals. The show broadcasted on Warner Brothers Television and Fox. Her position led to interviews with billionaires, millionaires, celebrities, professional athletes, NASCAR drivers, professional medical staff, professional attorneys, musicians, and business owners. As a headline lead singer, she has toured with Grammy-Award winning musicians, and performed the national anthem for several professional sports teams around the United States. Rita is a strong writer, researcher, listener, articulate speaker, and takes direction well. She is most recognized for the national TV commercial in which she belted opera on a bus with a guy dressed like a Scandinavian viking-JG Wentworth (877-CASHNOW).

Rita formerly worked with a private company as a Government Account Executive supplying computer networks to the U.S. military around the globe creating relationships between the civilian sector and the government. She has also worked as a Record-Breaking Executive Technical Recruiter, receiving "Recruiter of the Month" and "Recruiter of the Year," for placing the highest commission received for the company, by placing a CEO into a Fortune 500 Tech Company. Her responsibilities as an Executive Technical Recruiter placed C-level executives into major tech companies and start-ups. Her well roundedness and entrepreneurial mindset led her to running a successful bakery at the Department of Defense (DoD) Air Force Exchange.

Currently pursuing her Doctorate of Philosophy degree, with a Christian Lens on ethics and morals, in Psychology and Law, her current research interests include artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), law, ethics, morals, neuroscience, bioethics, aviation, military affairs, divinity and diversity. Her postgraduate studies at Liberty University allows her to research, analyze, test, generate new data, and the application of statistical and analytical data. Setting academic theories in psychology with a Christian worldview, opening deeper theories into more professional values, morals, ethics, behaviors, attitudes, justices, theoretical modeling, evidence-based modeling, culturally diversity standardization, leadership in trends, concepts, and methods. She is currently studying neuroscience, cognitive psychology, social-personality psychology, neurotheology, law, and statistics. Her main focus lies in self-regulation in the discipline of Health Psychology from a holistic-mind, body, spirit, and soul approach.

She is a current member of the American Psychological Association (APA), American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), American Federation of Musicians (AFM), Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS), Harvard Black Alumni Society (HBAS), Harvard Club of NY, Harvard Club of Southern California, and the Harvard Alumni Association. She currently resides in Beverly Hills, California. Her faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation for her life. She is regularly enthralled in Trust & Safety as an expert in seminars, talks, and platforms for the ongoing, ever-present relationship with AI and humanity. 

Awards: 

• High Potential Individual Visa(HPI) holder in the United Kingdom from 2024-2026. The HPI Visa provides preferential treatment to academic elite students with a professional degree from a top-ranked Ivy League university within the past five years, expanding horizons and international business in the United Kingdom. In 2022, only 1342 applicants were accepted globally.
• SMARTscholarship 2023 semi-finalist
• Harvard Academic Cross-Registration Scholarship Award 2021
• Top 20 List on Talking Writer 2020
• Record-breaking "Recruiter of the Month" for earning the company's highest single-placement for placing a CEO, as an Executive C-Level recruiter in a Fortune 500 Tech Company.
• SEFMD Science and Engineering Award in Microbiology, (First place (level 1) and second place (level 2)

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