Featuring a discussion with Dr. Johnathan Mell on human-computer interaction, social computing, and the development of human emotions in computers!

A sensitive and soulful man earns a living by writing personal letters for other people. Left heartbroken after his marriage ends, Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) becomes fascinated with a new operating system which reportedly develops into an intuitive and unique entity in its own right. He starts the program and meets “Samantha” (Scarlett Johansson), whose bright voice reveals a sensitive, playful personality. Though “friends” initially, the relationship soon deepens into love.

Dr. Johnathan Mell is a professor, researcher, and technology innovator working at the crossroads of artificial intelligence, human behavior, and engineering.  Dr. Mell is faculty at the University of Central Florida, where he lectures on AI in video games, and leads the ScionAI lab, which researches topics relating to making and understanding more human-like AI systems.  He received his Ph.D. and Master’s in Computer Science from University of Southern California, and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science as well as a second bachelor’s degree from the Wharton School of Business.  Dr. Mell draws inspiration from the real-world science that inspired popular shows and movies relating to AI, including Star Trek and Westworld, and appears regularly at both academic conferences and popular science venues. His current work is focused on artificial negotiation, the game Diplomacy, and social emotions in AI.