UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #873

Submission information
Submission Number: 873
Submission ID: 14991
Submission UUID: 17319b6b-4456-4548-a03e-eb27d167ca10

Created: Mon, 08/19/2024 - 12:38 PM
Completed: Mon, 08/19/2024 - 12:44 PM
Changed: Mon, 12/02/2024 - 02:01 PM

Remote IP address: 144.174.212.72
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No

Research Mentor Information

James McNulty
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mcnulty@psy.fsu.edu
Faculty
Arts and Sciences
Psychology
McNulty_head shot-3x2.jpg

Additional Research Mentor(s)

Michael Irias
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Mr
irias@psy.fsu.edu
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Overall Project Details

Advanced AI Agents: the future of social interaction?
artificial intelligence, social psychology, human relationships, digital communication
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We're particularly interested in students with backgrounds in psychology, computer science, or related fields, but all motivated individuals are encouraged to apply!
On FSU Main Campus
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Partially Remote
5-10
Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Are you intrigued by how artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of human social interactions? Join us in exploring the far-reaching impacts of socially-oriented Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI agents on human connections. This project aims to investigate how AI is reshaping our social fabric, from personal relationships to broader societal dynamics.

Working closely with Michael Irias and Dr. James McNulty, you'll gain valuable interdisciplinary experience spanning social psychology and applied computer science. By joining our team, you will:
- Contribute to groundbreaking research on AI's role in human social dynamics
- Explore the potential of AI to enhance or reshape various types of relationships
- Investigate AI's capacity to bridge cultural divides and reduce political polarization
- Gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art AI technologies
- Develop skills in research methodology, data analysis, and scientific writing
- Help design, develop, and test AI agents for various social purposes (e.g., AI friends, romantic partners, debate partners)
- Conduct literature reviews on the intersection of AI and social psychology
- Assist in designing and implementing experiments to test the psychological impact of social AI
- Participate in the analysis of AI-human interactions and their effects on social connections
- Help create surveys and other research instruments to measure changes in social dynamics
- Explore potential applications of AI in reducing miscommunication and fostering cross-cultural understanding
- Assist in analyzing data and preparing results for publication or presentation
While these skills are recommended, we value a willingness to learn, curiosity, and reliability above all. If you're passionate about this topic but don't have all these skills, we still encourage you to apply!

Recommended skills:
- Programming experience (e.g., Python, JavaScript)
- Familiarity with AI agents and AI-related concepts
- Basic knowledge of social psychology and research methods
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Overall, a background in either computer science or social sciences (psychology, sociology, communication studies) would be highly beneficial. This project involves elements of AI development and requires understanding social psychological concepts, particularly in the context of human relationships.
My approach to mentoring is rooted in fostering an environment of open communication, collaboration, and continuous learning. I believe that the most effective mentoring relationships are those where both mentor and mentee contribute to the growth of the project and each other.

I strive to create a balance between structured guidance and independent exploration. Mentees will engage in a mix of detail-oriented tasks that rely on clear directions, as well as higher-level assignments that encourage creative problem-solving. This ensures that mentees feel supported while also having the freedom to develop their own ideas.

I strongly encourage questions and critical thinking. There's no such thing as a "bad question" in our lab. I want mentees to feel comfortable challenging assumptions and asking "why are we doing this this way and not another?"
To support proactive engagement, I share aspects of the project that are on my "wishlist," providing opportunities for mentees to take initiative on tasks that interest them. This allows mentees to shape their research experience and contribute meaningfully to the project's direction.

Transparency is key in my mentoring approach. I'm always willing to explain my methods, share resources, and discuss the broader context of our work. This openness extends to supporting mentees' professional development: I'm happy to discuss graduate school applications, offer GRE preparation advice, and provide letters of recommendation.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a mentoring relationship that not only advances our research but also supports the personal and professional growth of each mentee.
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Note: While you may find another listing for an AI project related to mental health, this project is distinct and focuses specifically on the impact of AI on social connections rather than mental health interventions.

If you have any questions related to this project, please do not hesitate to email irias@psy.fsu.edu!
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UROP Program Elements

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2024
https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?element_parents=elements/research_mentor_information/headshot_optional_&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=UlsyWMV4t58LzMrXQmPzuXrjUYhWYWVDcyGKS1cwHKM