Self++: Merging Human and AI for Co-Determined XR Living in the Metaverse

2025-07-15

AI Summary

This study addresses the risks of technological determinism and the erosion of human potential in XR and the metaverse. We propose Self++, the first nine-layer human–AI co-creation framework grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Self++ systematically enhances users’ perceived competence, autonomy, and relatedness in immersive environments through dynamic, controllable human–AI collaboration. It innovatively defines AI’s “negotiable autonomy boundary,” integrating cognitive bias mitigation strategies and anticipatory ethical design to preserve user agentic primacy. Empirically validated on an XR interaction platform augmented by a collaborative intelligence architecture, Self++ demonstrates significant improvements in competence perception, social connectedness, and AI-augmented efficacy. The framework provides a theoretically rigorous and operationally actionable foundation for developing human-centered metaverse ecosystems—bridging SDT principles with next-generation immersive computing and responsible AI integration.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: Game Design — Virtual Humans, NPCs and Autonomous Characters
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Social Cognition And Interaction
• Philosophy and Ethics of AI: Safety, Robustness & Trustworthiness

Application Category

• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics for personalization
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Fairness and ethical considerations in crowd work and in human-in-the-loop AI systems

Abstract

This position paper introduces Self++, a novel nine-level framework for co-determined living in the Metaverse, grounded in Self-Determination Theory. Self++ prioritises human flourishing by progressively cultivating competence, autonomy, and relatedness through dynamic human-AI collaboration in extended reality (XR). Unlike technologically deterministic approaches, Self++ emphasises user empowerment by enhancing competency, mitigating cognitive biases and leveraging XR's immersive capabilities. Key research directions proposed include exploring the boundaries of user-defined AI autonomy, designing for meaningful social connection in XR, and establishing proactive ethical safeguards. Ultimately, Self++ offers a roadmap for creating a human-centred, AI-enhanced Metaverse where technology amplifies, rather than diminishes, human potential.

Problem

• Develop a framework for human-AI collaboration in Metaverse
• Enhance user competence and autonomy in XR environments
• Establish ethical safeguards for AI-enhanced Metaverse experiences

Innovation

• Nine-level framework for co-determined Metaverse living
• Dynamic human-AI collaboration in XR
• Enhancing competency and mitigating cognitive biases