Self-compassion, or the tendency to react kindly towards oneself during adversity, is elemental for mental health. We might have observed the ease with which we might counsel others in distress, but may find ourselves overwhelmed when undergoing similar situations. Why is it easier to be kind to others?  Maybe by showing one’s extracorporeal depiction, towards which it feels organic to act compassionately (as we would towards a child), we can admit such affection.
Our interdisciplinary approach enables us to create such scenarios. For example, based on a childhood photograph, participants may exchange with a digital replica of their child self, and offer verbal and tactile comfort. They can later take the child’s perspective and feel cared for by their adult counterpart. Multisensory encounters with other versions of oneself can be facilitated as is done through mental imagery in psychotherapy.

Different versions of oneself for self-dialogues and perspective swapping

Meˆ2 is created by digital artists and scientists considering both perspectives as complementary. Aware of people’s vulnerability when facing themselves, we care for the poetics of such an encounter. We believe that only with artistic care, curiosity, and listening beyond data, this work might take a meaningful direction. Simultaneously, scientific rigor is fundamental when dealing with mental health, and essential given the ethical complexity entailed by generative AI.  

Our work is inspired by that of artists, scientists, and psychotherapists and has been co-designed with practitioners accross disciplines. We are creating open tools and methodologies for practitioners across fields while addressing the ethical consequences of our developments.

Supported by:



   
  
Zurich University of the Arts  
University of Zurich  

 
paulina.zybinska@zhdk.ch