[Good Brain 2023] Professor Jang Dong-seon: "The Core of the Human Brain is Connection with Others"

Jang Dong-seon, full-time professor at Hanyang University Institute of Creative Convergence Education (CEO of Curious Brain Research Institute), is giving a special lecture on "How to Create a Happy Brain in the Aging Era" at the "Good Brain 2023 Conference" hosted by Asia Economy on the 20th at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

"The core of human evolution is that the brains of different beings connect with each other to form social relationships."

Jang Dong-seon, a neuroscientist (full-time professor at Hanyang University Institute of Creative Convergence Education), attended the 'Good Brain 2023 Conference' hosted by Asia Economy on the 20th at the Westin Chosun Hotel Seoul in Jung-gu. In a special lecture titled "How to Create a Happy Brain in the Aging Era," he said, "Face-to-face interaction is more beneficial for brain health than online connections."

According to Professor Jang, the human brain is connected to other beings far more than we think. When watching a soccer player play a match, our brain cells activate as if we are actually playing in the game. This is called the 'mirror neuron network.' Also, when an audience listens to an orchestra performance or a student listens to a teacher's lecture, a phenomenon called 'neural coupling' occurs, where brainwaves become similar at intervals of about 6 to 7 seconds. Professor Jang said, "Humans do not just passively perceive but have brains that simulate from others' perspectives," adding, "Our brains are essentially connected to each other."

The reason brains were created even before humans, at the amoeba or bacteria stage, was to overcome what genes (DNA) could not do. While the behavior and choices of living organisms are greatly influenced by genes, beings with brains can recognize changes and, instead of just following genetic programming, learn to make new behaviors and choices.

The human brain has a special characteristic different from other species. Other life forms pass only genetic information to the next generation, but cannot pass on what their brains have learned. However, humans can exchange knowledge through language and inherit what others have learned. Professor Jang said, "As brains connect with each other, humans have developed the ability to recognize others and predict the future," and added, "Biologically, the human brain has not evolved much, but the way it connects is changing significantly."

He explained that in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), human 'interaction' is becoming even more important. In the past, 'creativity' was considered a unique human ability that differentiated humans from AI. However, with the recent development of generative AI, AI can now write novels or create artworks, activities that were once exclusive to humans. Professor Jang said, "The areas AI has not yet reached are emotion and metacognitive abilities," and emphasized, "The very attempt to understand and empathize with others' emotions is the most important factor in sustaining our brains." He added, "Social interactions that come from person-to-person meetings make our brains healthier and happier," and concluded, "To have a happy brain, the ability to be happy together is important."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.