In a bid to promote safe online interactions and prevent sexual harm, University of Michigan-Flint professor Douglas Zytko has been awarded a $567,968 grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This technology, known as “consent technology,” aims to reduce misunderstandings and maintain consent during online interactions between individuals who have met face-to-face.
The grant will help protect young people and other vulnerable populations who are at risk of exploitation on social media and other online platforms. Zytko is exploring the use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create a visual guide for individuals to reduce misunderstandings and maintain consent during interactions. He envisions AI companions that can detect non-consensual behavior based on biometric signals and convey that information to the other person through augmented reality glasses.
Zytko expressed concerns about sexual violence happening without conscious intent and believes that many cases involve misinterpreting signals received online before in-person meetings. The NSF’s Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program supports Zytko’s research and grant, aiming to empower early-career faculty members to become leaders and innovators in education and research. Congressman Dan Kildee endorsed the grant on June 17, 2024.