IYNA HK x HKU Department of Psychology

Professor Benjamin Becker is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and Coordinator of the Cognitive Science Programme at The University of Hong Kong, where he also directs the MIND & AI Lab. His research combines neuroscience and artificial intelligence to investigate emotion, mental health, and the human brain, using machine learning to better understand brain activity. His recent work explores how interactions with AI companions and chatbots influence the social brain and mental health, helping shape our understanding of the relationship between AI and human cognition.

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In this interview, professor Becker explores the intersection of AI and neuroscience, emphasizing both the transformative potential and the limitations of current research. He argues that AI is increasingly perceived as a social partner, which could reshape human behavior and brain processes over time, though he warns that AI's overly polite responses lack the critical feedback necessary for personal growth. His lab integrates machine learning with neuroscience to study emotions, using dynamic stimuli like horror clips to better capture real-world emotional states, and sees promise in real-time "neurofeedback" for treating anxiety and PTSD. However, professor Becker debunks the myth that neuroscience has "cracked" the brain, stressing its immense complexity and the field's early stage. Driven by curiosity and clinical experience with depression and anxiety, his ultimate goal is to help people better understand and regulate their emotions, advocating for humility alongside technological optimism.

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Watch Now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y4zhT54sEk&t=273s

Learn more about HKU Department of Psychology: https://psychology.hku.hk/