Slide
Centre Interdisciplinaire
de Recherche et d’Innovation
en Cybersécurité et Société
de Recherche et d’Innovation
en Cybersécurité et Société
1.
Brideau-Duquette, M.; Côté, S. S. -P.; Charbonneau, P.; Renaud, P.
When Sexy Avatars Get Weird: How Brain Asymmetry and Oculomotor Dynamics Navigate the Uncanny Proceedings Article
In: S., Itthipuripat; G.A., Ascoli; A., Li; N., Pat; H., Kuai (Ed.): Lect. Notes Comput. Sci., pp. 121–139, Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025, ISBN: 03029743 (ISSN); 978-981963293-0 (ISBN), (Journal Abbreviation: Lect. Notes Comput. Sci.).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Brain, Embodied Computing, Eye-tracking, Gaze behaviours, Human machine interaction, Immersive, Nonlinear index, Psychological effects, regression analysis, Regression modelling, Uncanny, Uncanny valley, Virtual environments, virtual reality
@inproceedings{brideau-duquette_when_2025,
title = {When Sexy Avatars Get Weird: How Brain Asymmetry and Oculomotor Dynamics Navigate the Uncanny},
author = {M. Brideau-Duquette and S. S. -P. Côté and P. Charbonneau and P. Renaud},
editor = {Itthipuripat S. and Ascoli G.A. and Li A. and Pat N. and Kuai H.},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105002448490&doi=10.1007%2F978-981-96-3294-7_10&partnerID=40&md5=ced02f5a8061a51f213078ce6d6635f3},
doi = {10.1007/978-981-96-3294-7_10},
isbn = {03029743 (ISSN); 978-981963293-0 (ISBN)},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
booktitle = {Lect. Notes Comput. Sci.},
volume = {15541 LNAI},
pages = {121–139},
publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH},
abstract = {This study explores the psychological effects of human-machine interaction, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of the uncanny valley within the context of virtual reality (VR). This study specifically investigates the relationship between oculomotor dynamics, EEG asymmetry, and perceived uncanniness in an immersive setting with a realistic human avatar that can generate uncanny feelings. Participants engaged in a VR scenario designed to optimize their sexual interest. Eye-tracking and EEG data were collected during these interactions to assess the predictors of uncanniness. The final regression model identified significant predictors, including EEG asymmetry in frontal and parietal regions and nonlinear indices of gaze behavior. The findings suggest that the more a participants’ attention was attracted towards specific cues, the higher the uncanniness. The interplay between EEG asymmetries and gaze behavior furthermore indicates that these physiological and behavioral responses are closely linked to the perception of uncanniness, offering insights into how humans interact with increasingly lifelike technologies. These insights contribute to a better understanding of HMI’s potential and may inform the development of more engaging and psychologically attuned virtual content. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.},
note = {Journal Abbreviation: Lect. Notes Comput. Sci.},
keywords = {Brain, Embodied Computing, Eye-tracking, Gaze behaviours, Human machine interaction, Immersive, Nonlinear index, Psychological effects, regression analysis, Regression modelling, Uncanny, Uncanny valley, Virtual environments, virtual reality},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
This study explores the psychological effects of human-machine interaction, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of the uncanny valley within the context of virtual reality (VR). This study specifically investigates the relationship between oculomotor dynamics, EEG asymmetry, and perceived uncanniness in an immersive setting with a realistic human avatar that can generate uncanny feelings. Participants engaged in a VR scenario designed to optimize their sexual interest. Eye-tracking and EEG data were collected during these interactions to assess the predictors of uncanniness. The final regression model identified significant predictors, including EEG asymmetry in frontal and parietal regions and nonlinear indices of gaze behavior. The findings suggest that the more a participants’ attention was attracted towards specific cues, the higher the uncanniness. The interplay between EEG asymmetries and gaze behavior furthermore indicates that these physiological and behavioral responses are closely linked to the perception of uncanniness, offering insights into how humans interact with increasingly lifelike technologies. These insights contribute to a better understanding of HMI’s potential and may inform the development of more engaging and psychologically attuned virtual content. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.
2.
Brideau-Duquette, M.; Côté, S. S. -P.; Charbonneau, P.; Renaud, P.
When Sexy Avatars Get Weird: How Brain Asymmetry and Oculomotor Dynamics Navigate the Uncanny Proceedings Article
In: S., Itthipuripat; G.A., Ascoli; A., Li; N., Pat; H., Kuai (Ed.): Lect. Notes Comput. Sci., pp. 121–139, Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025, ISBN: 03029743 (ISSN); 978-981963293-0 (ISBN), (Journal Abbreviation: Lect. Notes Comput. Sci.).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Brain, Embodied Computing, Eye-tracking, Gaze behaviours, Human machine interaction, Immersive, Nonlinear index, Psychological effects, regression analysis, Regression modelling, Uncanny, Uncanny valley, Virtual environments, virtual reality
@inproceedings{brideau-duquetteWhenSexyAvatars2025,
title = {When Sexy Avatars Get Weird: How Brain Asymmetry and Oculomotor Dynamics Navigate the Uncanny},
author = {M. Brideau-Duquette and S. S. -P. Côté and P. Charbonneau and P. Renaud},
editor = {Itthipuripat S. and Ascoli G.A. and Li A. and Pat N. and Kuai H.},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105002448490?origin=resultslist},
doi = {10.1007/978-981-96-3294-7_10},
isbn = {03029743 (ISSN); 978-981963293-0 (ISBN)},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
booktitle = {Lect. Notes Comput. Sci.},
volume = {15541 LNAI},
pages = {121–139},
publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH},
abstract = {This study explores the psychological effects of human-machine interaction, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of the uncanny valley within the context of virtual reality (VR). This study specifically investigates the relationship between oculomotor dynamics, EEG asymmetry, and perceived uncanniness in an immersive setting with a realistic human avatar that can generate uncanny feelings. Participants engaged in a VR scenario designed to optimize their sexual interest. Eye-tracking and EEG data were collected during these interactions to assess the predictors of uncanniness. The final regression model identified significant predictors, including EEG asymmetry in frontal and parietal regions and nonlinear indices of gaze behavior. The findings suggest that the more a participants’ attention was attracted towards specific cues, the higher the uncanniness. The interplay between EEG asymmetries and gaze behavior furthermore indicates that these physiological and behavioral responses are closely linked to the perception of uncanniness, offering insights into how humans interact with increasingly lifelike technologies. These insights contribute to a better understanding of HMI’s potential and may inform the development of more engaging and psychologically attuned virtual content. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.},
note = {Journal Abbreviation: Lect. Notes Comput. Sci.},
keywords = {Brain, Embodied Computing, Eye-tracking, Gaze behaviours, Human machine interaction, Immersive, Nonlinear index, Psychological effects, regression analysis, Regression modelling, Uncanny, Uncanny valley, Virtual environments, virtual reality},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
This study explores the psychological effects of human-machine interaction, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of the uncanny valley within the context of virtual reality (VR). This study specifically investigates the relationship between oculomotor dynamics, EEG asymmetry, and perceived uncanniness in an immersive setting with a realistic human avatar that can generate uncanny feelings. Participants engaged in a VR scenario designed to optimize their sexual interest. Eye-tracking and EEG data were collected during these interactions to assess the predictors of uncanniness. The final regression model identified significant predictors, including EEG asymmetry in frontal and parietal regions and nonlinear indices of gaze behavior. The findings suggest that the more a participants’ attention was attracted towards specific cues, the higher the uncanniness. The interplay between EEG asymmetries and gaze behavior furthermore indicates that these physiological and behavioral responses are closely linked to the perception of uncanniness, offering insights into how humans interact with increasingly lifelike technologies. These insights contribute to a better understanding of HMI’s potential and may inform the development of more engaging and psychologically attuned virtual content. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.
3.
Falk, T. H.
The Internet of Senses for Healthcare 5.0: Enabling Technologies, Opportunities, and Challenges Journal Article
In: Healthcare in the Digital Age: Perspectives for Sustainable Innovation and Assessment, pp. 11–29, 2025, ISSN: 978-981961437-0 (ISBN); 978-981961436-3 (ISBN).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Artificial intelligence, Enabling technologies, Environmental impact, Health care, Healthcare 5.0, Human sensing, Immersive, Medical applications, Medical informatics, Multisensory, Multisensory Immersive Reality, Olfaction, Sustainability, sustainable development, Technology challenges, Technology opportunities, User experience, User interfaces, Users' experiences, virtual reality
@article{falkInternetSensesHealthcare2025,
title = {The Internet of Senses for Healthcare 5.0: Enabling Technologies, Opportunities, and Challenges},
author = {T. H. Falk},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105023337478?origin=resultslist},
doi = {10.1007/978-981-96-1437-0_2},
issn = {978-981961437-0 (ISBN); 978-981961436-3 (ISBN)},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
journal = {Healthcare in the Digital Age: Perspectives for Sustainable Innovation and Assessment},
pages = {11–29},
publisher = {Springer Science+Business Media},
abstract = {Multisensory virtual reality immerses users in a virtual setting by stimulating all their senses. Coupled with artificial intelligence, next-generation communications, and human sensing technologies, the so-called Internet of Senses (IoS) will drive healthcare 5.0 applications for the betterment of humankind. Multisensory nature exposure experiences have already shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety. The integration of haptic technologies with olfactory stimuli could revolutionise remote medical applications, bringing specialised care to remote communities. Having this said, while the number of applications is numerous, we need to stop and think about the challenges that will arise, such as the environmental impact of developing and running these tools. Moreover, while these tools can increase accessibility to those that may have, for example, mobility issues, it can, on the other hand, limit usage for those with limited financial resources needed to run these tools. As such, do-it-yourself and/or open-source tools will be crucial to ensure equitable access worldwide. In this chapter, a description is given of the work done (and ongoing) by the author and his collaborators on how to enable healthcare 5.0 applications based on the IoS, how to better democratise them, and make them safer for users and the planet. © 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.},
keywords = {Artificial intelligence, Enabling technologies, Environmental impact, Health care, Healthcare 5.0, Human sensing, Immersive, Medical applications, Medical informatics, Multisensory, Multisensory Immersive Reality, Olfaction, Sustainability, sustainable development, Technology challenges, Technology opportunities, User experience, User interfaces, Users' experiences, virtual reality},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Multisensory virtual reality immerses users in a virtual setting by stimulating all their senses. Coupled with artificial intelligence, next-generation communications, and human sensing technologies, the so-called Internet of Senses (IoS) will drive healthcare 5.0 applications for the betterment of humankind. Multisensory nature exposure experiences have already shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety. The integration of haptic technologies with olfactory stimuli could revolutionise remote medical applications, bringing specialised care to remote communities. Having this said, while the number of applications is numerous, we need to stop and think about the challenges that will arise, such as the environmental impact of developing and running these tools. Moreover, while these tools can increase accessibility to those that may have, for example, mobility issues, it can, on the other hand, limit usage for those with limited financial resources needed to run these tools. As such, do-it-yourself and/or open-source tools will be crucial to ensure equitable access worldwide. In this chapter, a description is given of the work done (and ongoing) by the author and his collaborators on how to enable healthcare 5.0 applications based on the IoS, how to better democratise them, and make them safer for users and the planet. © 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
4.
Jaberi, M.; Bouchard, S.; Falk, T. H.
Quantifying the Risk of Private Information Leakage in the Metaverse with EEG-Instrumented Virtual Reality Headsets Proceedings Article
In: Conf. Proc. IEEE Int. Conf. Syst. Man Cybern., pp. 4293–4298, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2025, ISBN: 1062922X (ISSN); 979-833153358-8 (ISBN), (Journal Abbreviation: Conf. Proc. IEEE Int. Conf. Syst. Man Cybern.).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biomedical signal processing, Electroencephalography, Electrophysiology, Immersive, Information leakage, Interactivity, Learning systems, Metaverses, Neurophysiology, Privacy risks, Private information, Real-time quality, User engagement, virtual reality, Virtual reality technology, Virtual-reality headsets
@inproceedings{jaberiQuantifyingRiskPrivate2025,
title = {Quantifying the Risk of Private Information Leakage in the Metaverse with EEG-Instrumented Virtual Reality Headsets},
author = {M. Jaberi and S. Bouchard and T. H. Falk},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105033158377?origin=resultslist},
doi = {10.1109/SMC58881.2025.11343511},
isbn = {1062922X (ISSN); 979-833153358-8 (ISBN)},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
booktitle = {Conf. Proc. IEEE Int. Conf. Syst. Man Cybern.},
pages = {4293–4298},
publisher = {Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.},
abstract = {As virtual reality (VR) technologies become more immersive and metaverse applications burgeon, modern headsets are increasingly becoming equipped with sensors capable of capturing multiple neurophysiological signals. While these signals can be used to measure, in real-time, quality of experience metrics that can be used to enhance interactivity and user engagement, they may also introduce novel privacy risks by unintentionally leaking sensitive personal attributes. In this paper, we explore the extent in which electroencephalography (EEG) signals, recorded during an immersive VR memory task, can be used to infer users' private information, such as age, biological sex, and identity. We employ both classical machine learning models with hand-crafted features, as well as end-to-end deep learning approaches. Our findings demonstrate that EEG-based features can, indeed, leak information about biological sex, age, and user identity, with end-to-end models obtaining the best performance. Feature importance ranking and deep neural network saliency maps were used to provide explainability on the neural patterns used by the models. We conclude with recommendations on how these findings can also be used to help secure future metaverse applications. © 2025 IEEE.},
note = {Journal Abbreviation: Conf. Proc. IEEE Int. Conf. Syst. Man Cybern.},
keywords = {Biomedical signal processing, Electroencephalography, Electrophysiology, Immersive, Information leakage, Interactivity, Learning systems, Metaverses, Neurophysiology, Privacy risks, Private information, Real-time quality, User engagement, virtual reality, Virtual reality technology, Virtual-reality headsets},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
As virtual reality (VR) technologies become more immersive and metaverse applications burgeon, modern headsets are increasingly becoming equipped with sensors capable of capturing multiple neurophysiological signals. While these signals can be used to measure, in real-time, quality of experience metrics that can be used to enhance interactivity and user engagement, they may also introduce novel privacy risks by unintentionally leaking sensitive personal attributes. In this paper, we explore the extent in which electroencephalography (EEG) signals, recorded during an immersive VR memory task, can be used to infer users' private information, such as age, biological sex, and identity. We employ both classical machine learning models with hand-crafted features, as well as end-to-end deep learning approaches. Our findings demonstrate that EEG-based features can, indeed, leak information about biological sex, age, and user identity, with end-to-end models obtaining the best performance. Feature importance ranking and deep neural network saliency maps were used to provide explainability on the neural patterns used by the models. We conclude with recommendations on how these findings can also be used to help secure future metaverse applications. © 2025 IEEE.
5.
Lopes, M. K. S.; Falk, T. H.
Generative AI for Personalized Multisensory Immersive Experiences: Challenges and Opportunities for Stress Reduction Proceedings Article
In: Proc. - IEEE Conf. Virtual Real. 3D User Interfaces Abstr. Workshops, VRW, pp. 143–146, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2025, ISBN: 979-833151484-6 (ISBN), (Journal Abbreviation: Proc. - IEEE Conf. Virtual Real. 3D User Interfaces Abstr. Workshops, VRW).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Artificial intelligence tools, Environment personalization, Forest bathing, Generative AI, Immersive, Multi-Sensory, Multi-sensory virtual reality, Multisensory, Personalizations, relaxation, virtual reality, Virtualization
@inproceedings{lopesGenerativeAIPersonalized2025,
title = {Generative AI for Personalized Multisensory Immersive Experiences: Challenges and Opportunities for Stress Reduction},
author = {M. K. S. Lopes and T. H. Falk},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105005149501?origin=resultslist},
doi = {10.1109/VRW66409.2025.00036},
isbn = {979-833151484-6 (ISBN)},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
booktitle = {Proc. - IEEE Conf. Virtual Real. 3D User Interfaces Abstr. Workshops, VRW},
pages = {143–146},
publisher = {Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.},
abstract = {Stress management and relaxation are critical areas of interest in mental health and well-being. Forest bathing is a practice that has been shown to have a positive effect on reducing stress by stimulating all the senses in an immersive nature experience. Since access to nature is not universally available to everyone, virtual reality has emerged as a promising tool to simulate this type of experience. Furthermore, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools offer new opportunities to create highly personalized and immersive experiences that can enhance relaxation and reduce stress. This study explores the potential of personalized multisensory VR environments, designed using GenAI tools, to optimize relaxation and stress relief via two experiments that are currently underway. The first evaluates the effectiveness of non-personalized versus personalized VR scenes generated using AI tools to promote increased relaxation. The second explores the potential benefits of providing the user with additional personalization tools, from adding new virtual elements to the AI-generated scene, to adding AI-generated sounds and scent/haptics customization. Ultimately, this research aims to identify which customizable elements may lead to improved therapeutic benefits for multisensory VR experiences. © 2025 IEEE.},
note = {Journal Abbreviation: Proc. - IEEE Conf. Virtual Real. 3D User Interfaces Abstr. Workshops, VRW},
keywords = {Artificial intelligence tools, Environment personalization, Forest bathing, Generative AI, Immersive, Multi-Sensory, Multi-sensory virtual reality, Multisensory, Personalizations, relaxation, virtual reality, Virtualization},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Stress management and relaxation are critical areas of interest in mental health and well-being. Forest bathing is a practice that has been shown to have a positive effect on reducing stress by stimulating all the senses in an immersive nature experience. Since access to nature is not universally available to everyone, virtual reality has emerged as a promising tool to simulate this type of experience. Furthermore, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools offer new opportunities to create highly personalized and immersive experiences that can enhance relaxation and reduce stress. This study explores the potential of personalized multisensory VR environments, designed using GenAI tools, to optimize relaxation and stress relief via two experiments that are currently underway. The first evaluates the effectiveness of non-personalized versus personalized VR scenes generated using AI tools to promote increased relaxation. The second explores the potential benefits of providing the user with additional personalization tools, from adding new virtual elements to the AI-generated scene, to adding AI-generated sounds and scent/haptics customization. Ultimately, this research aims to identify which customizable elements may lead to improved therapeutic benefits for multisensory VR experiences. © 2025 IEEE.
6.
Jesus, B. De; Lopes, M.; Perreault, L.; Roberge, M. -C.; Oliveira, A. A. De; Falk, T. H.
In: Conf. Proc. IEEE Int. Conf. Syst. Man Cybern., pp. 6033–6038, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2025, ISBN: 1062922X (ISSN); 979-833153358-8 (ISBN), (Journal Abbreviation: Conf. Proc. IEEE Int. Conf. Syst. Man Cybern.).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biomedical signal processing, Diseases, Electroencephalography, electroencephalography (EEG), Electrophysiology, Haptics, Immersive, Immersive virtual reality, Multisensory, Nature immersion, Odors, Olfactory, Patient monitoring, Patient treatment, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), posttraumatic stress disorder, virtual reality, virtual reality (VR)
@inproceedings{dejesusElectroencephalographyNeuromarkersPredict2025,
title = {Electroencephalography Neuromarkers to Predict the Response of a Multisensory Virtual Reality Nature Immersion Intervention for Patients Diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder},
author = {B. De Jesus and M. Lopes and L. Perreault and M. -C. Roberge and A. A. De Oliveira and T. H. Falk},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105033154892?origin=resultslist},
doi = {10.1109/SMC58881.2025.11342787},
isbn = {1062922X (ISSN); 979-833153358-8 (ISBN)},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
booktitle = {Conf. Proc. IEEE Int. Conf. Syst. Man Cybern.},
pages = {6033–6038},
publisher = {Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.},
abstract = {Immersive virtual reality (VR) applications rapidly expand across domains, including training, gaming, and healthcare. More recently, multisensory immersive experiences, including olfactory and haptic stimulation, have emerged and shown great promise, especially for interventions in well-being and mental health management. Multisensory experiences, however, are very subjective (e.g., one subject may like certain smells, while others do not), and recent results have suggested that some participants may not respond positively to the treatment. As multisensory VR interventions can be costly and time-consuming for both patients and clinicians, being able to find neuromarkers that predict intervention outcomes would be invaluable. Here, we aim to take the first steps in the development of a neuromarker to predict the response to a multisensory nature immersion VR intervention. A pilot experiment was performed with twenty patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Potential neuromarkers are extracted from electroencephalography (EEG) signals measured from an instrumented VR headset. We show that some EEG patterns start to differ between responders and non-responders as early as the fourth session, i.e., one-third of the way into the entire intervention. This suggests that neuromarkers to predict the outcomes of a multisensory VR immersion intervention may exist. These markers could be used not only to save time and resources for clinicians and patients but also to promote precision treatment where interventions are adjusted to each patient, maximizing success rates. © 2025 IEEE.},
note = {Journal Abbreviation: Conf. Proc. IEEE Int. Conf. Syst. Man Cybern.},
keywords = {Biomedical signal processing, Diseases, Electroencephalography, electroencephalography (EEG), Electrophysiology, Haptics, Immersive, Immersive virtual reality, Multisensory, Nature immersion, Odors, Olfactory, Patient monitoring, Patient treatment, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), posttraumatic stress disorder, virtual reality, virtual reality (VR)},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Immersive virtual reality (VR) applications rapidly expand across domains, including training, gaming, and healthcare. More recently, multisensory immersive experiences, including olfactory and haptic stimulation, have emerged and shown great promise, especially for interventions in well-being and mental health management. Multisensory experiences, however, are very subjective (e.g., one subject may like certain smells, while others do not), and recent results have suggested that some participants may not respond positively to the treatment. As multisensory VR interventions can be costly and time-consuming for both patients and clinicians, being able to find neuromarkers that predict intervention outcomes would be invaluable. Here, we aim to take the first steps in the development of a neuromarker to predict the response to a multisensory nature immersion VR intervention. A pilot experiment was performed with twenty patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Potential neuromarkers are extracted from electroencephalography (EEG) signals measured from an instrumented VR headset. We show that some EEG patterns start to differ between responders and non-responders as early as the fourth session, i.e., one-third of the way into the entire intervention. This suggests that neuromarkers to predict the outcomes of a multisensory VR immersion intervention may exist. These markers could be used not only to save time and resources for clinicians and patients but also to promote precision treatment where interventions are adjusted to each patient, maximizing success rates. © 2025 IEEE.
7.
Brideau-Duquette, M.; Côté, S. S. -P.; Charbonneau, P.; Renaud, P.
When Sexy Avatars Get Weird: How Brain Asymmetry and Oculomotor Dynamics Navigate the Uncanny Proceedings Article
In: S., Itthipuripat; G.A., Ascoli; A., Li; N., Pat; H., Kuai (Ed.): Lect. Notes Comput. Sci., pp. 121–139, Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025, ISBN: 03029743 (ISSN); 978-981963293-0 (ISBN).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Brain, Embodied Computing, Eye-tracking, Gaze behaviours, Human machine interaction, Immersive, Nonlinear index, Psychological effects, regression analysis, Regression modelling, Uncanny, Uncanny valley, Virtual environments, virtual reality
@inproceedings{brideau-duquetteWhenSexyAvatars2025a,
title = {When Sexy Avatars Get Weird: How Brain Asymmetry and Oculomotor Dynamics Navigate the Uncanny},
author = {M. Brideau-Duquette and S. S. -P. Côté and P. Charbonneau and P. Renaud},
editor = {Itthipuripat S. and Ascoli G.A. and Li A. and Pat N. and Kuai H.},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105002448490&doi=10.1007%2F978-981-96-3294-7_10&partnerID=40&md5=ced02f5a8061a51f213078ce6d6635f3},
doi = {10.1007/978-981-96-3294-7_10},
isbn = {03029743 (ISSN); 978-981963293-0 (ISBN)},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
booktitle = {Lect. Notes Comput. Sci.},
volume = {15541 LNAI},
pages = {121–139},
publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH},
abstract = {This study explores the psychological effects of human-machine interaction, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of the uncanny valley within the context of virtual reality (VR). This study specifically investigates the relationship between oculomotor dynamics, EEG asymmetry, and perceived uncanniness in an immersive setting with a realistic human avatar that can generate uncanny feelings. Participants engaged in a VR scenario designed to optimize their sexual interest. Eye-tracking and EEG data were collected during these interactions to assess the predictors of uncanniness. The final regression model identified significant predictors, including EEG asymmetry in frontal and parietal regions and nonlinear indices of gaze behavior. The findings suggest that the more a participants’ attention was attracted towards specific cues, the higher the uncanniness. The interplay between EEG asymmetries and gaze behavior furthermore indicates that these physiological and behavioral responses are closely linked to the perception of uncanniness, offering insights into how humans interact with increasingly lifelike technologies. These insights contribute to a better understanding of HMI’s potential and may inform the development of more engaging and psychologically attuned virtual content. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.},
keywords = {Brain, Embodied Computing, Eye-tracking, Gaze behaviours, Human machine interaction, Immersive, Nonlinear index, Psychological effects, regression analysis, Regression modelling, Uncanny, Uncanny valley, Virtual environments, virtual reality},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
This study explores the psychological effects of human-machine interaction, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of the uncanny valley within the context of virtual reality (VR). This study specifically investigates the relationship between oculomotor dynamics, EEG asymmetry, and perceived uncanniness in an immersive setting with a realistic human avatar that can generate uncanny feelings. Participants engaged in a VR scenario designed to optimize their sexual interest. Eye-tracking and EEG data were collected during these interactions to assess the predictors of uncanniness. The final regression model identified significant predictors, including EEG asymmetry in frontal and parietal regions and nonlinear indices of gaze behavior. The findings suggest that the more a participants’ attention was attracted towards specific cues, the higher the uncanniness. The interplay between EEG asymmetries and gaze behavior furthermore indicates that these physiological and behavioral responses are closely linked to the perception of uncanniness, offering insights into how humans interact with increasingly lifelike technologies. These insights contribute to a better understanding of HMI’s potential and may inform the development of more engaging and psychologically attuned virtual content. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.
8.
Côté, S. S. -P.; Brideau-Duquette, M.; Lafortune, D.; Pfaus, J. G.; Renaud, P.
Investigating Female Sexual Presence Through Triangulation of Behavioral and Physiological Measures in Virtual Reality: Towards Therapeutic Applications for Sexual Disorders Proceedings Article
In: O., Poquet; A., Ortega-Arranz; O., Viberg; I.-A., Chounta; B., McLaren; J., Jovanovic (Ed.): International Conference on Computer Supported Education, CSEDU - Proceedings, pp. 694–700, Science and Technology Publications, Lda, 2024, ISBN: 21845026 (ISSN); 978-989758697-2 (ISBN), (Journal Abbreviation: International Conference on Computer Supported Education, CSEDU - Proceedings).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Affordances, Behavioral measures, Computer vision, E-learning, Electroencephalography, Electrophysiology, Gaze Behaviour, Gaze behaviours, Immersive, Learning, Physiological measures, Quantitative electroencephalography, Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG), Sexual Presence, Therapeutic Application, Vaginal Photoplethysmography, virtual reality
@inproceedings{cote_investigating_2024,
title = {Investigating Female Sexual Presence Through Triangulation of Behavioral and Physiological Measures in Virtual Reality: Towards Therapeutic Applications for Sexual Disorders},
author = {S. S. -P. Côté and M. Brideau-Duquette and D. Lafortune and J. G. Pfaus and P. Renaud},
editor = {Poquet O. and Ortega-Arranz A. and Viberg O. and Chounta I.-A. and McLaren B. and Jovanovic J.},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85193914916&doi=10.5220%2f0012754700003693&partnerID=40&md5=435ba537cddf1277ed1b459b8a0b1984},
doi = {10.5220/0012754700003693},
isbn = {21845026 (ISSN); 978-989758697-2 (ISBN)},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
booktitle = {International Conference on Computer Supported Education, CSEDU - Proceedings},
volume = {1},
pages = {694–700},
publisher = {Science and Technology Publications, Lda},
abstract = {Exposure to sexual contexts by means of immersive, extended reality technologies, offer an opportunity to both: better understand sexual responding, and in turn, offers insights as to how the same technology could help in treating sexual disorders. The present papers reports on the ability of behavioural (i.e., oculometry) and physiological (i.e., electroencephalography and vaginal plethysmography) to conjointly predict subjective sexual feelings (i.e., subjective sexual presence), this, using a sample of 12 heterosexual cisgendered women. Measurements pertained to the participants living a sexual immersion (via a virtual reality headset) with an opposite sex virtual character engaging in sexually suggestive behaviour. Results suggest that all the tested behavioural and physiological measurements could play a role in the shaping of sexual presence. Results are discussed with therapeutic learning processes considerations in mind. Copyright © 2024 by SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, Lda.},
note = {Journal Abbreviation: International Conference on Computer Supported Education, CSEDU - Proceedings},
keywords = {Affordances, Behavioral measures, Computer vision, E-learning, Electroencephalography, Electrophysiology, Gaze Behaviour, Gaze behaviours, Immersive, Learning, Physiological measures, Quantitative electroencephalography, Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG), Sexual Presence, Therapeutic Application, Vaginal Photoplethysmography, virtual reality},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Exposure to sexual contexts by means of immersive, extended reality technologies, offer an opportunity to both: better understand sexual responding, and in turn, offers insights as to how the same technology could help in treating sexual disorders. The present papers reports on the ability of behavioural (i.e., oculometry) and physiological (i.e., electroencephalography and vaginal plethysmography) to conjointly predict subjective sexual feelings (i.e., subjective sexual presence), this, using a sample of 12 heterosexual cisgendered women. Measurements pertained to the participants living a sexual immersion (via a virtual reality headset) with an opposite sex virtual character engaging in sexually suggestive behaviour. Results suggest that all the tested behavioural and physiological measurements could play a role in the shaping of sexual presence. Results are discussed with therapeutic learning processes considerations in mind. Copyright © 2024 by SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, Lda.
9.
Côté, S. S. -P.; Brideau-Duquette, M.; Lafortune, D.; Pfaus, J. G.; Renaud, P.
Investigating Female Sexual Presence Through Triangulation of Behavioral and Physiological Measures in Virtual Reality: Towards Therapeutic Applications for Sexual Disorders Proceedings Article
In: O., Poquet; A., Ortega-Arranz; O., Viberg; I.-A., Chounta; B., McLaren; J., Jovanovic (Ed.): International Conference on Computer Supported Education, CSEDU - Proceedings, pp. 694–700, Science and Technology Publications, Lda, 2024, ISBN: 21845026 (ISSN); 978-989758697-2 (ISBN), (Journal Abbreviation: International Conference on Computer Supported Education, CSEDU - Proceedings).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Affordances, Behavioral measures, Computer vision, E-learning, Electroencephalography, Electrophysiology, Gaze Behaviour, Gaze behaviours, Immersive, Learning, Physiological measures, Quantitative electroencephalography, Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG), Sexual Presence, Therapeutic Application, Vaginal Photoplethysmography, virtual reality
@inproceedings{coteInvestigatingFemaleSexual2024,
title = {Investigating Female Sexual Presence Through Triangulation of Behavioral and Physiological Measures in Virtual Reality: Towards Therapeutic Applications for Sexual Disorders},
author = {S. S. -P. Côté and M. Brideau-Duquette and D. Lafortune and J. G. Pfaus and P. Renaud},
editor = {Poquet O. and Ortega-Arranz A. and Viberg O. and Chounta I.-A. and McLaren B. and Jovanovic J.},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85193914916&doi=10.5220%2f0012754700003693&partnerID=40&md5=435ba537cddf1277ed1b459b8a0b1984},
doi = {10.5220/0012754700003693},
isbn = {21845026 (ISSN); 978-989758697-2 (ISBN)},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
booktitle = {International Conference on Computer Supported Education, CSEDU - Proceedings},
volume = {1},
pages = {694–700},
publisher = {Science and Technology Publications, Lda},
abstract = {Exposure to sexual contexts by means of immersive, extended reality technologies, offer an opportunity to both: better understand sexual responding, and in turn, offers insights as to how the same technology could help in treating sexual disorders. The present papers reports on the ability of behavioural (i.e., oculometry) and physiological (i.e., electroencephalography and vaginal plethysmography) to conjointly predict subjective sexual feelings (i.e., subjective sexual presence), this, using a sample of 12 heterosexual cisgendered women. Measurements pertained to the participants living a sexual immersion (via a virtual reality headset) with an opposite sex virtual character engaging in sexually suggestive behaviour. Results suggest that all the tested behavioural and physiological measurements could play a role in the shaping of sexual presence. Results are discussed with therapeutic learning processes considerations in mind. Copyright © 2024 by SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, Lda.},
note = {Journal Abbreviation: International Conference on Computer Supported Education, CSEDU - Proceedings},
keywords = {Affordances, Behavioral measures, Computer vision, E-learning, Electroencephalography, Electrophysiology, Gaze Behaviour, Gaze behaviours, Immersive, Learning, Physiological measures, Quantitative electroencephalography, Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG), Sexual Presence, Therapeutic Application, Vaginal Photoplethysmography, virtual reality},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Exposure to sexual contexts by means of immersive, extended reality technologies, offer an opportunity to both: better understand sexual responding, and in turn, offers insights as to how the same technology could help in treating sexual disorders. The present papers reports on the ability of behavioural (i.e., oculometry) and physiological (i.e., electroencephalography and vaginal plethysmography) to conjointly predict subjective sexual feelings (i.e., subjective sexual presence), this, using a sample of 12 heterosexual cisgendered women. Measurements pertained to the participants living a sexual immersion (via a virtual reality headset) with an opposite sex virtual character engaging in sexually suggestive behaviour. Results suggest that all the tested behavioural and physiological measurements could play a role in the shaping of sexual presence. Results are discussed with therapeutic learning processes considerations in mind. Copyright © 2024 by SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, Lda.