Guest Editor(s)
Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Signal Analysis Research Group, Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Special Issue Information
Emerging interactive media technologies are opening new frontiers in therapeutic interventions and mental health care. From biofeedback games and immersive virtual reality (VR) environments to artificial intelligence (AI)-driven interactive narratives, these media can dynamically adjust to a user’s physiological and emotional state in real time. Modern systems can leverage cameras, microphones, and physiological sensors [e.g., heart rate monitors, electroencephalography (EEG), eye trackers] to infer a person’s cognitive load or emotional state. By “implicit understanding” of user reactions, such empathic computing systems enable adaptive, closed-loop experiences that respond to the user’s needs and feelings. This Special Issue will explore how these empathic, adaptive interactive media can be harnessed for therapy and well-being.
We welcome submissions covering, but not limited to, the following topics:
• Biofeedback-driven games and apps that harness real-time physiological signals [e.g., heart-rate, galvanic skin response (GSR), neural activity] to manage stress, anxiety, or pain.
• Immersive VR interventions that reduce pain or distress during medical procedures.
• Serious games and mixed reality experiences for cognitive rehabilitation, mental health treatment, and education, including systems that adapt difficulty or narrative to user stress or engagement.
• VR exposure therapy for phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or psychosis enriched with physiological and behavioral sensing to enhance engagement and efficacy.
• Generative and AI-driven interactive content (virtual agents, adaptive narratives, chatbots, or generative video) that personalizes therapeutic interactions and offers on-demand support.
• Interactive films, AR/VR experiences, wearable applications, and mobile apps leveraging behavioral and physiological sensing for mental health support or physical rehabilitation.
• Design methodologies, user experience studies, and evaluation frameworks for empathic, user-aware media therapies.
• Ethical, privacy, and safety considerations in developing and deploying adaptive therapeutic interactive media.
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