Asieh Daneshi (Science of Intelligence), “Behavioral contagion in human and artificial multi-agent systems”

In this talk, Asieh will explore the dynamics of decision-making and risk-taking within social contexts and how everyday decisions, often laden with potential negative outcomes, are influenced not only by individual judgment but significantly by the surrounding social environment. Her research employs the “Balloon Analogue Risk-Taking” experiment in a controlled setting applying VR-technology in order to investigate the impact of dynamic social interactions on individual risk assessment. Various aspects, such as the effect of peers on risk perception, group dynamics in decision-making, and the influence of social norms on risk-taking behaviors are part of her study.

By observing how individuals in a group adapt their decisions based on others’ actions and outcomes, she aims to understand the balancing act between individual decision-making and group conformity. This research explores decision-making in a constantly changing social environment, offering new insights into how group dynamics can lead to either more risk-taking or conservative behaviors. The findings promise to enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between personal psychology and group influence.