From Micro-Cognition to Self-Construction: A Four-Layer Integrative Review of Psychological Theories in HCI

2026-07-28

AI Summary

This study addresses the challenges of constructing complex relational dynamics as human-computer interaction evolves from instrumental use toward cognitive symbiosis. It proposes an integrative four-layer framework encompassing micro-level cognition, meso-level affect, macro-level social structures, and self-construction. Through a systematic literature review and interdisciplinary theoretical synthesis, the work elucidates the foundational mechanisms, driving forces, normative boundaries, and ultimate aims of human-AI interaction. Innovatively repositioning psychology from a post hoc explanatory role to a prospective design function, the study advances novel directions such as bidirectional theory of mind and personalized co-evolution. These contributions offer theoretical grounding and design guidance for emerging contexts like generative AI and embodied agents, while also identifying critical challenges concerning the nature of affect, erosion of human agency, and ethical risks.

Abstract

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is undergoing a paradigm shift from "tool use" toward "partnership" and even "mind symbiosis," with psychology evolving from a supplementary explanatory tool to a core pillar shaping interaction paradigms and long-term relationships. This paper systematically reviews relevant research and proposes a four-layer integrative framework comprising the Micro-cognitive, Meso-affective, Macro-social, and Self-constructive layers. The framework reveals that: the cognitive layer constitutes the foundation of interaction, the affective layer drives relational engagement, the social layer regulates trust and behavior through norms, and the self-constructive layer points to the ultimate goal of human-machine symbiosis. These four layers follow a progressive logic of "foundation--mediation--context--goal." The review further argues that psychology has shifted from "post-hoc evaluation" to a "proactive design paradigm," with direct implications for emerging scenarios such as generative AI and embodied agents. Concurrently, this paper identifies core challenges including the nature of affect, agency erosion, and ethical risks, and proposes future directions such as bidirectional theory of mind and personalized co-evolution. This framework offers a systematic theoretical perspective for understanding complex human-machine relationships.

Problem

• human-computer interaction
• psychological theories
• mind symbiosis
• agency erosion
• ethical risks

Innovation

• four-layer framework
• human-machine symbiosis
• proactive design paradigm
• psychological integration
• self-construction