Modulation of alpha and theta waves by social stimuli in virtual educational environments

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated digital adoption in education, leading many schools to switch to online learning. This shift impacted student motivation due to limited training and social isolation. Virtual Reality (VR) helped enhance student engagement; nevertheless, its influence on Concrete Experience and Abstract Conceptualization is unclear and needs further study. Understanding the impact of in-person interactions on well-being is also essential, as regions such as the MPFC and VMPC play a key role in social cognition. EEG studies stress brain-to-brain synchrony for effective learning. Increasing research examines technologies like the metaverse, robotics, and augmented reality in educational contexts, using portable EEG devices to study neurocognitive variables. Our study collected EEG data from students observing a social stimulus in Face-to-Face, VR, and Online settings. Analysis of Alpha (8-12 Hz) and Theta (4-7 Hz) waves showed VR significantly influenced Alpha waves, suggesting social stimuli modulate Alpha activity in VR environments.