PSYCELLIUM: AN IN-REAL-LIFE SOCIAL NETWORK.

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Psycellium is a social network designed to foster deeper, more meaningful in-real-life connections by leveraging the SenseNet ring's ability to capture and share physiological data consensually. It aims to move beyond superficial online interactions and create a platform for authentic, embodied social experiences. A core component of this system is the Psycellium mobile application, which acts as a hub for user interaction, data management, and connection facilitation.

 

In the natural world, mycelium networks—the intricate, interconnected threads of fungi—play a vital role. They facilitate the exchange of nutrients and information between plants, enabling entire ecosystems to thrive. Mycelium demonstrates how interconnectedness at a fundamental level can foster resilience, growth, and symbiosis.

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Psycellium draws inspiration from this natural phenomenon. As mycelium connects plants, Psycellium aims to create a network where humans can connect more deeply and meaningfully. It envisions a social network beyond the superficiality of many digital interactions, tapping into the rich, nuanced exchange of physiological data to enhance in-person connections.  Through the consensual sharing of biometric information via our SenseNet rings, Psycellium allows us to perceive and understand each other more embodied, fostering empathy, enhancing shared experiences, and cultivating a sense of profound interconnectedness.

CORE PRINICPALS:

Embodied Connection: Psycellium recognizes that human connection is both cognitive and physiological. By sharing biometric data, users can better understand each other's emotional and physical states.

Consensual Sharing: User privacy and control are paramount. Data is only shared with explicit, mutual consent, and users have granular control over what data is shared.

Enhanced Presence: Psycellium aims to enhance the feeling of presence in shared experiences, making them more immersive and emotionally resonant.

Ethical Design: The platform is designed with ethical considerations at its core, minimizing the potential for misuse or harm.

HOW IT WORKS:

1. User Profile & Consent (via Mobile App):

• Users create and manage their profiles on the Psycellium mobile app. This includes:

  • Setting personal interests, preferences, and connection goals.

  • Providing information about the types of experiences they are interested in sharing (e.g., live music, group meditation, intimate gatherings).

  • Configuring default data sharing preferences and adjusting them for individual connections or specific situations.

• The app provides clear and concise information about:

  • The data types collected by the SenseNet ring include HRV, EDA, temperature, motion).

  • How that data is processed, presented, and shared.

  • The platform's privacy policy and user rights.

2. Connection Mechanism (via Mobile App and Ring):

• Proximity-Based Matching:

  • When users are in physical proximity, their SenseNet rings detect each other.

  • The Psycellium app notifies users of nearby potential connections.

  • Users can view basic profile information on the app and send/receive connection requests.

  • A connection is established only with explicit, mutual consent via the app.

• ​Interest-Based Suggestions (via Mobile App): The app suggests potential connections based on:

  • Shared interests derived from user profiles.

  • Past interaction history within the Psycellium network.

  • User-specified preferences for connection types.

• Shared Experience Invitations (via Mobile App):

  • Users create and send invitations to participate in shared experiences through the app.

  • Invitations include details about:

    • The event or activity.

    • The expected level of data sharing.

    • Any specific guidelines for participation?

  • Users can manage invitation settings and participant lists within the app.

 

4. Data Sharing & Interpretation (Ring & Mobile App):

• During a consensual connection, SenseNet rings exchange selected physiological data, as determined by user settings in the mobile app and the interaction context.

• The Psycellium app processes this data using advanced algorithms to provide insights into shared emotional states or levels of arousal. This processing is designed to preserve privacy.

• The app presents shared data in an intuitive and nonintrusive manner, focusing on user comfort and understanding.

  • Visual Cues (Mobile App):

    • A shared "energy" visualization that pulses in sync on both users' apps, reflecting the degree of shared emotional arousal.

    • The app interface uses subtle color changes to indicate shifts in emotional state (e.g., warmth for excitement, calmness for relaxation).

  • Haptic Feedback (SenseNet Ring):

    • Gentle vibrations on the SenseNet ring that synchronize with the other person's emotional state.

    • Patterns of vibration that convey different emotions (e.g., a steady pulse for calm, a rapid vibration for excitement)

  • Auditory Cues (Mobile App):

    • Subtle, ambient sounds within the app that reflect the shared emotional state, creating a more immersive experience.

 

4. Shared Experiences (Ring & Mobile App):

• Psycellium facilitates and enhances shared experiences, adding a new layer of depth and connection. The mobile app provides tools to organize, manage, and reflect on these experiences.

  • Music Events: Users can experience the collective energy of a concert. The app visualizes the overall emotional intensity of the audience and allows users to see how their individual responses correlate with the group.

  • Meditation/Mindfulness: Groups can meditate together. The app displays a shared "calmness" score and provides tools for guided meditation and feedback on synchronizing meditative states.

  • Intimate Gatherings: Small groups of friends can use Psycellium to deepen their connection. The app can provide insights into group dynamics, such as levels of engagement, empathy, and rapport.

  • Group Exercise: Users working out together can share exertion levels and heart rate data. The app can provide motivation, track progress, and visualize the shared physical experience.

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5. Privacy & Security (Mobile App & Ring):

• Privacy is a core design principle, implemented throughout the mobile app and ring functionality.

• End-to-end encryption for all data transmission between the ring, the app, and the Psycellium servers.

• Strict user consent mechanisms within the app, with clear and transparent options for controlling what data is shared and with whom.

• Data minimization: only the data strictly necessary for the intended purpose is collected and shared.

• Users can disconnect and revoke access at any time through the app, immediately terminating data sharing.

• Regular security audits and adherence to privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) are managed and communicated through the app.

• The app provides educational resources to help users understand the technology and make informed decisions about their privacy.

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6. Key Features (Mobile App):

• User Profile Management: Creation and customization of user profiles, including interests, preferences, and connection goals.

• Connection Management: Tools for finding, connecting with, and managing connections.

• Data Sharing Controls: Granular control over what data is shared and with whom, with default settings and contextual adjustments.

• Shared Experience Platform: Features for creating, discovering, joining, and managing shared experiences.

• Intuitive Data Visualization: Clear and emotionally resonant presentation of shared physiological data.

• Privacy and Security Settings: Comprehensive tools for managing privacy preferences and understanding data usage.

• Communication Tools: Direct messaging, group chat, and other communication features to facilitate interaction.

• Activity Feed: A feed of shared experiences, connection updates, and other relevant information.

• Personalized Recommendations: Suggestions for connections and shared experiences based on user preferences and activity.

• Integration with other Apps: Potential integration with other social, health, and event apps.

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7. Target Audience:

• Individuals seeking deeper, more authentic connections.

• Groups interested in enhancing shared experiences.

• People who value both technology and meaningful human interaction.

• Therapists and counselors who want to use technology to enhance their practice.

• Artists and performers who want to create more immersive and interactive experiences for their audiences.

 

8. Potential Benefits:

• Deeper, more meaningful relationships.

• Enhanced empathy and understanding.

• More engaging and immersive social experiences.

• A new way to connect with others on an emotional level.

• Potential applications in therapy, education, and the arts.