We-mode functioning over cyberspace and physical space

Abstract

I aim to implement ‘we-mode’ in cyberspace by connecting several physical spaces. The we-mode is a special cognitive mode to intimately cooperate with others, and enhance human cognitive abilities and behavioral performances beyond the individual’s ability and performance. Studies on self-body perception, illusory body-ownership (e.g. rubber hand illusion, out-of-body experience, virtual embodiment), social interactions with others (e.g. Mutual gaze), changing one’s own body image, and its social and psychological impacts in cyberspace using virtual reality technologies as well as in physical space are reviewed. Based on those findings I consider how to induce or create we-mode in cyberspace and what can be realized by the cyberspace we-mode compared with the physical-space we-mode.