If I Can\u27t Predict My Future, Why Can AI? Exploring Human Interaction with Predictive Analytics

This research study seeks to understand how AI-based chatbots can potentially be leveraged as a tool in a PSYOP. This study is methodologically driven as it employs validated scales concerning suggestibility and human-computer interaction to assess how participants interact with a specific AI chatbot, Replika. Recent studies demonstrate the capability of GPT-based analytics to influence user’s moral judgements, and this paper is interested in exploring why. Results will help draw conclusions regarding human interaction with predictive analytics (in this case a free GPT-based chatbot, Replika) to understand if suggestibility (how easily influenced someone generally is) impacts the overall usability of AI chatbots. This project will help assess how much of a concern predictive AI chatbots should be considered as virtual AI influencers and other bot-based propaganda modalities emerge in the contemporary media environment. This study uses the CASA paradigm, medium theory, and Boyd’s theory of conflict to explore how factors that often drive human computer interaction— like anthropomorphic autonomy and suspension of disbelief— potentially relate to suggestibility or chatbot usability. Overall, this study is interested in specifically exploring if suggestion can predict usability in AI chatbots

From Appraisal to Emotion: Differences among Unpleasant Feelings

Recent research has indicated strong relations between people\u27s appraisals of their circumstances and their emotional states. The present study examined these relations across a range of unpleasant situations in which subjects experienced complex emotional blends. Subjects recalled unpleasant experiences from their pasts that were associated with particular appraisals and described their appraisals and emotions during these experiences. Situations defined by particular appraisals along the human agency or situational control dimensions were reliably associated with different levels of anger, sadness, and guilt, as predicted. However, predicted differences in emotion were not observed for situations selected for appraisals along the certainty or attention dimensions. Most subjects reported experiencing blends of two or more emotions, and correlation/regression analyses indicated that even in the context of these blends, patterns of appraisal similar to those observed previously (Smith & Ellsworth, 1985, 1987) characterized the experience of the individual emotions. The regressions further indicated that appraisals along some dimensions were more important to the experience of particular emotions than were appraisals along other dimensions. These central appraisals are compared with the adaptive functions their associated emotions are believed to serve, and the implications of these findings are discussed

Contrasting selection pressure on body and weapon size in a polygynous megaherbivore

Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is a common morphological trait in ungulates, with polygyny considered the leading driver of larger male body mass and weapon size. However, not all polygynous species exhibit SSD, while molecular evidence has revealed a more complex relationship between paternity and mating system than originally predicted. SSD is, therefore, likely to be shaped by a range of social, ecological and physiological factors. We present the first definitive analysis of SSD in the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) using a unique morphological dataset collected from 2994 aged individuals. The results confirm that hippos exhibit SSD, but the mean body mass differed by only 5% between the sexes, which is rather limited compared with many other polygynous ungulates. However, jaw and canine mass are significantly greater in males than females (44% and 81% heavier, respectively), highlighting the considerable selection pressure for acquiring larger weapons. A predominantly aquatic lifestyle coupled with the physiological limitations of their foregut fermenting morphology likely restricts body size differences between the sexes. Indeed, hippos appear to be a rare example among ungulates whereby sexual selection favours increased weapon size over body mass, underlining the important role that species-specific ecology and physiology have in shaping SSD

Conceptual Models on the Effectiveness of E-Marketing Strategies in Engaging Consumers

Effective marketing has always been an important factor in business success. Without the ability to identify customers and convince them to purchase the product or service being offered, businesses would not survive. Recent advancements in technology have given rise to new opportunities to engage customers through the use of electronic marketing (e-marketing). E- marketing draws from traditional marketing principles, while also expanding the types of strategies available to companies. Websites, social media, and online marketplaces are just some examples of how businesses are leveraging e-marketing approaches to connect with potential customers. In formulating sound e-marketing strategies, it is important for businesses to consider a number of factors, including methods for identifying and attracting the target market population, engaging customers, making the case to bring them to the point of sale, and tracking metrics that indicate which approaches are making the most significant financial and non-financial impacts on return of investment. As a relatively new branch in the marketing field, there is more to research and discover when it comes to effective e-marketing strategies. However, businesses that are willing to invest resources in these e-marketing strategies can build their customer base and increase return on their investment

The association between social class and the impact of treatment for mental health problems:a systematic review and narrative synthesis

PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to synthesise all quantitative literature on the association between social class and the effectiveness of interventions for mental health disorders. METHODS: Systematic literature searches (inception-March 2021) were conducted across 7 databases, and all quantitative studies meeting inclusion criteria, examining the impact of social class on access to treatment, or intervention effectiveness, or the impact of treatment on social mobility, were synthesised narratively. RESULTS: Evidence suggests that lower social class may be associated with reduced access to primary and secondary mental health care and increased likelihood of access via crisis services, and patients of lower social class may not benefit from all mental health interventions, with reduced effectiveness. While limited, there was some indication that psychosocial interventions could encourage increased employment rates. CONCLUSION: Social class is associated with the effectiveness of psychological interventions, and should be considered when designing new interventions to prevent barriers to access and improve effectiveness