The field of cyberpsychology covers the study of the influences of information technologies (Internet, RX, social media, new connected equipment and robotics) on human behavior and society in general. This new branch of psychology, closely related to the study of human-machine interactions, focuses on the way in which technology users interact with technology in terms of their psychophysiological states, perceptions, beliefs, emotions and habits.

Cyberspace has recently been undergoing an accelerated transformation towards the metaverse, a more immersive and intuitive version of cyberspace, thanks to its instinctive interfaces opening onto an infinite number of virtual worlds. These interfaces have the power to fade away, giving way to a more visceral and confounding user experience, even giving the frank illusion of being elsewhere, or even anywhere, or anyone.

Cyberpsychology attaches particular importance to the phenomenon of telepresence (presence for short; Mestre and Fuchs, 2006). According to the International Society for Presence Research (2024), presence is first and foremost defined as a psychological state or subjective perception through which an individual yields to the illusion generated by an immersive technical montage. The intersection of virtual and AI technologies (from conversational robots to hyper-realistic image generators and predictive algorithms) sheds a whole new light on the question of presence and its corollary, immersion, especially as regards cybersecurity issues.

We believe that deepening our understanding of this phenomenon and its ramifications for cybersecurity is crucial to maintaining public confidence in the face of the digital changes knocking on our doors.

The CIRICS Cybersecurity and Individuals program is firmly focused on the years to come, and in particular on understanding the impact of the advent of the metaverse on cyber security. This three-pronged research program aims to cover fundamental themes relating to human-machine interactions in virtual immersion, the psychological and psychopathological dimensions specific to cyber-actors, and the prevention and training needed to adapt to anticipated future changes.

Axis 1, directed by Patrice Renaud and with the collaboration of Mohand Allili, Caroline Blais and Stéphane Bouchard, focuses on immersion, presence and cybersecurity. Research addresses fundamental aspects of human-machine interaction, situational awareness in the detection of criminal opportunities, and the intersection between virtual technologies and artificial intelligence. They also examine the psychophysiological characteristics associated with interactions between cyber actors. Research questions include the automatic detection of criminal intent in navigation, the identification of psychophysiological signatures of cyber-predators, and the impact of humanizing automata on perceptual and cognitive processes.

Axis 2, headed by Patrice Renaud with the collaboration of Geneviève Parent and Mohand Said Allili, focuses on psychological profiles, psychopathology, predation and vulnerability. Research focuses on the psychological profiles of cybercriminals and victims, and the interaction between psychopathology and cybercrime. They explore developmental trajectories leading to cybercrime and cybervictimization, as well as personality characteristics associated with the tendency to humanize relationships with automatons. Research questions also address the existence of psychopathologies predisposing to cybercrime and vulnerability to the AI/RX complex.

Finally, Axis 3, headed by Stéphane Bouchard with the collaboration of Mohand Said Allili and Geneviève Parent, focuses on prevention, training and education in cybersecurity. The research aims to raise citizens’ awareness of cybersecurity risks in the face of advances in AI and extended reality, and to develop training and education tools. They also examine pedagogical and learning assessment methods, highlighting the potential role of virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Research questions address public awareness of cybersecurity risks and best practices in training and education.