Facial recognition is a significant aspect of self-image and social interactions, raising questions about communication and identity in the digital age. Dr. Shunichi Kasahara, a researcher at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, is exploring how altering our facial identity affects our sense of self and interactions with others. Using real-time morphing of facial images, Dr. Kasahara and his team at the Cybernetic Humanity Studio are examining the dynamics of face recognition and the impact of motor-visual synchrony on our identification with our self-image.
Through psychological experiments involving displays and cameras, the researchers investigated the “self-identification boundary” and how different movement conditions affect perceptions of identity. Surprisingly, they found that levels of identification with facial images remain consistent regardless of whether movements are synchronous, asynchronous, or static. Additionally, participants were more likely to identify with static images of themselves than images with their faces moving. The direction of morphing from self to other or other to self also influenced how participants perceived their facial boundaries.
A key finding from the research is that even in scenarios like deepfakes, where movements are asynchronous, individuals can still experience a feeling of identity connection with themselves. This challenges traditional notions of identity and raises important questions about how we perceive ourselves in the digital age. Dr. Kasahara emphasizes the need to understand how our sense of identity impacts our sense of control and how technology like deepfake technology can influence our perceptions of self and identity.
In collaboration with a psychology professor, Dr. Kasahara investigated how recognizing oneself through facial features affects perceptions of control over facial movements. Participants observed either their own face or another person’s face on a screen and could interact and control the facial and head movements. Surprisingly, participants reported a higher sense of agency over the “other face” compared to the “self-face.” This challenges conventional expectations about how individuals perceive and control their own movements and the movements of others.
Overall, the research conducted by Dr. Kasahara and his team sheds light on the complex relationship between facial recognition, identity, and agency. By exploring how technology influences our perceptions of self and control, the researchers aim to foster acceptance of human-computer integration technology in society. Understanding the impact of technology on human evolution and identity is crucial for advancing our understanding of the self and how we interact with technology in the digital age.