Generative AI and Digital Humans: Exploring the New Frontiers of Empathetic Media

04 Feb 2026 (Wed)

On 2 February 2026, Professor Xin Lyu delivered a seminar titled “Generative AI and Digital Humans: Exploring the New Frontiers of Empathetic Media.” Prof. Lyu is a professor at the Communication University of China and Director of the Digital Human Research Institute. He has received the First Prize in the National Teaching Achievement Awards, the 2023 Technology Innovation “Rainbow Award,” and the Best Digital Creativity Award at the Asia Youth Animation & Digital Arts Competition.



In the seminar, Professor Lyu examined how the increasing maturity of generative AI, affective computing, and digital human technologies is reshaping media from a traditionally passive “conduit” of information into intelligent media entities capable of empathetic interaction. He introduced the emerging paradigm of “empathic media” through the lens of intelligent digital humans, outlining how the integration of large language models for contextual understanding, affective AI for emotional recognition, and fuzzy logic–driven multimodal expression enables digital humans to move beyond audiovisual representation and become interactive agents capable of emotional resonance. This evolution, he noted, marks a shift from digital shells to communicative partners with engaging souls. Drawing on five years of research and development case studies in digital human innovation, Professor Lyu further discussed the technical architecture and ethical challenges of empathic media, while envisioning the future of human-Al emotional interaction.





The event attracted more than 25 participants including guests, faculty members and doctoral students, who participated actively in a thoughtful discussion session. Professor Lyu addressed questions from the audience and shared valuable research experience, fostering a dynamic and intellectually enlightening exchange.