Brain bytes

Video games have a rich history, dating back to the 1950s, and have since evolved into a global phenomenon, with billions of active gamers worldwide. Understanding the ethical implications of video games is crucial due to their widespread reach and potential effects on people and communities. The field of video game ethics encompasses the study of ethical dilemmas arising from interactive technology, including their influence on real-life behaviours and cognition, drawing on philosophical and empirical work to address these topics and adapt to emerging gaming industry challenges and societal values changes. This presentation takes an empirical approach, focusing on evidence from the literature regarding the impact of video games on gamers and their real-life behaviours. Drawing from clinical, cognitive, and social psychology perspectives, as well as video game research and social sciences, the discussion explores the effects of video games on humans. By bridging the gap between philosophical opinions and interdisciplinary empirical research, we hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of what constitutes ethical behaviour in the video game industry and how it can evolve to promote positive outcomes.

The widespread adoption of large language models such as Chat-GPT underscores the immense promise of integrating artificial intelligence into various aspects of our lives. However, the mechanisms through which complex language skills emerge in these models remain to be clarified. Understanding those mechanisms might not only shed light on the capabilities of AI but also raises the questions: Can we draw parallels between language processing in machines and humans? In other words: Can neuroscience and artificial intelligence learn from one another? Our research focuses on decomposing language into its building blocks and using neurotechnologies to study how biological neuronal networks in the brain give rise to it. In this talk, we’ll introduce you to our work and show you some examples of how the interface of deep learning and neurotechnologies can lead to unprecedented findings.