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Modulation of Fronto-striatal Functional Connectivity and Social Interaction Through Conveying Digital Somatic Information
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  • Takuto Matsuhashi,
  • Mayuko Ito,
  • Takumi Kuhara,
  • Kenchi Hosokawa,
  • Keigo Inukai,
  • Kouta Minamizawa,
  • Junji Watanabe,
  • Kazuo Okanoya,
  • Yoshihiro Tanaka,
  • Chihiro Hosoda
Takuto Matsuhashi
Tohoku University
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Mayuko Ito
Nagoya Institute of Technology
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Takumi Kuhara
Nagoya Institute of Technology
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Kenchi Hosokawa
Tohoku University
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Keigo Inukai
Meiji Gakuin University
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Kouta Minamizawa
Keio University
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Junji Watanabe
Nihon Denshin Denwa Kabushiki Kaisha NTT Device Innovation Center
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Kazuo Okanoya
The University of Tokyo
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Yoshihiro Tanaka
Nagoya Institute of Technology
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Chihiro Hosoda
Tohoku University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

The effects of tactile information sharing on empathy and reward systems in interpersonal interaction are significant. Recent technological developments have enabled tactile information sharing in remote communication, but its effects on brain plasticity have not been investigated. To this aim, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), we investigated whether conveying tactile information during remote communication induces plastic changes in functional connectivity. Seventy participants participated in conversations either with or without tactile stimulation. During the social interaction phase, participants engaged in a 15-minute conversation with the experimenter. Afterward, the tactile group showed a higher emotional connection score than the control group. Notable plastic changes in functional connectivity were observed in the striatum-orbitofrontal cortex and striatum-inferior frontal gyrus of the tactile group compared to the control group. In addition, a significant correlation between emotional connection and the connectivity between the anterior cingulate cortex and supramarginal gyrus was identified. These findings suggest that remote tactile communication systems have the potential to amplify emotional experiences and foster enhanced interpersonal connections in virtual interactions.
01 Apr 2024Submitted to European Journal of Neuroscience
02 Apr 2024Assigned to Editor
02 Apr 2024Submission Checks Completed
03 Apr 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
03 Apr 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned