Human Machine Interaction: The Special Role for Human Unconscious Emotional Information Processing

The nature of (un)conscious human emotional information processing remains a great mystery. On the one hand, classical models view human conscious emotional information processing as computation among the brain's neurons but fail to address its enigmatic features. On the other hand, quantum processes (superposition of states, nonlocality, entanglement,) also remain mysterious, yet are being harnessed in revolutionary information technologies like quantum computation, quantum cryptography, and quantum teleportation. In this paper, we would like to discuss several experiments that suggest a special role for unconscious emotional information processing in the human-computer interaction. What are its consequences and could this be the missing link between quantum information theory and conscious human emotional information processing? 1 Quantum Information Theory Einstein proposed his revolutionary hypothesis of the light-quantum 100 years ago. Later, Einstein took his light-quantum hypothesis a stage further and he formulated the probability laws governing the emission and absorption of radiation by an atom [6], [13]. Many scientists did not accept Einstein’s hypothesis due to several reasons. From the beginning of quantum mechanics, the concept of measurement and the possible role of consciousness in the solution to the measurement problem have been important issues. Despite of these controversies, quantum theory has further developed and describes the bizarre properties of matter and energy at near-atomic scales. These properties include: 1) quantum coherence, in which individual particles yield identity to a collective, unifying wave function (exemplified in Bose-Einstein condensates). 2) non-local quantum entanglement, in which spatially separated particle states are nonetheless connected or related. 3) quantum superposition, in which particles exist in two or more states or locations simultaneously. 4) quantum state reduction or ‘collapse of the wave function’, in which superpositioned particles reduce or collapse to specific choices [31]. According to some scientists, all four quantum properties can be applied to the seemingly inexplicable features of consciousness. First, quantum coherence (e.g. Bose-Einstein condensation) is a possible physical basis for ‘binding’ or unity of consciousness [17]. Second, non-local entanglements (e.g. ‘Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen correlations’) serve as a potential basis for associative memory and non-local emotional interpersonal connection. Third, quantum superposition of information provides a basis for preconscious and subconscious processes, dreams and altered states. Finally, quantum state reduction (quantum computation) serves as a possible physical mechanism for the transition from preconscious processes to consciousness [23], [24]. In the quantum, real time is uncertain and events may run in a non-linear way. Quantum state reductions such as objective reduction events may send quantum information "backwards in time", for example according to the Aharonov "dual vector" theory. Time may simply be indeterminate in the quantum superposition phase [10]. In addition to non-linear information processing, information can exist in quantum superposition, for example, as quantum bits or ‘qubits’ of both 1 and 0 in contrast to the classical information theories. Qubits interact or compute by entanglement and then reduce or collapse to a solution expressed in classical bits (either 1 or 0). In the Orch OR model, quantum computation occurs in microtubules within the brain’s neurons. Microtubules are polymers of the protein tubulin, which in the Orch OR model transiently exist in quantum superposition of two or more conformational states. Following periods of preconscious quantum computation (e.g. on the order of tens to hundreds of milliseconds) tubulin superpositions reduce or ‘self-collapse’ at an objective threshold due to a quantum gravity mechanism proposed by Penrose [23], [24]. Microtubule-associated protein (MAP-2) connections provide input during classical phases. Each Orch OR quantum computation determines classical output states of tubulin, which govern neurophysiological events, such as initiating spikes at the axon hillock, regulating synaptic strengths, forming new MAP-2 attachment sites and gap-junction connections, and establishing starting conditions for the next conscious event [9], [11], [25]. However, most cognitiveand neuroscientists are skeptical. How could the human brain process information in a non-linear way? Quantum physics and Neuroscience have nothing to do with each other. Moreover, this is simply against our experiences in daily life, in which time is completely linear! There is a hot debate going on between physicists and cognitive neuroscientists. In this paper, we would like to present two neuroimaging studies on emotions, in which non-linear information processing was found. Moreover, we would like to suggest that the solution in this debate lies in human unconscious information processing. At the higher (conscious) level, information is processed in a linear way. However, at the unconscious level, human information processing is similar to what quantum information theory would predict. As a result, non-linear information processing at this level is possible. Before discussing this more into detail, we would like to briefly discuss some of the main findings of human information processing. The focus will be on emotional information processing, since the neuroimaging studies that we will discuss later in this paper to support our theory are also studies on emotions. 2 Human Information Processing If we want to understand the human machine interaction with respect to emotional information processing, it is essential to understand normal human emotional information processing. In the late seventies, the cognitive approach to emotions was more or less the only approach [8], [19]. This started to change with the publication of the paper “Feeling and Thinking: Preferences Need No Inferences” by Robert Zajonc [31]. He argued, on the basis of logic and clever experiments, that emotion can exist before and without cognition. Much of contemporary psychology has come to recognize that a great deal of human emotional functioning is rooted in unconscious processes. During the last two decades, a lot of behavioral studies were conducted in this field. These studies, for example, showed that humans pick up the emotional content of facial expressions outside conscious awareness and intent to influence perceptions of the target individual [1], [20], [21], [22]. Other studies showed that humans evaluate objects (as for example “good” or “bad”) at an unconscious level [2], [3], [5]. Current theories of emotion suggest that stimuli are first processed via an automatically engaged neural mechanism, which occurs outside conscious awareness. This mechanism operates in conjunction with a slower and more comprehensive process that allows a detailed evaluation of the potentially harmful stimulus [15], [16]. Evidence comes from neuroimaging studies. Event-related potential (ERP) data revealed a double dissociation for the conscious versus unconscious perception of negative stimuli. In the unconscious condition, responses to the perception of negative stimuli were enhanced relative to neutral for the N2 “excitatory” component (a negative potential at +/-200 milliseconds), which is thought to represent orienting and automatic aspects of information processing. By contrast, conscious perception of negative stimuli was associated with relatively enhanced responses for the late P3 “inhibitory” component (a positive potential at +/-300 milliseconds), implicated in the integration of emotional processes [16]. The conclusion can be drawn that unconscious emotional information processing happens all the time and has direct behavioral consequences [27]. Until now, these unconscious processes remain a great mystery. Although we are beginning to understand some of the mechanisms behind unconscious emotional information processing, a lot remains unanswered. For example, do humans process emotional information at the unconscious level in exactly the same way as at the conscious level and what are its implications for the human machine interaction? Moreover, could this perhaps be the missing link between quantum information theory and conscious human emotional information processing? [28] 3 Non-Linear Emotional Information Processing To answer these questions, data will be presented from two neuroimaging studies. It is important to note that both in the fMRI-study and in the ERP-study highly emotional versus more neutral stimuli were used and all stimuli were randomized with replacement. This is important because these results could otherwise be contributed completely to an expectancy effect of the participant.