From eye to AI: Studying rodent social behavior in the era of machine learning

The study of rodent social behavior has shifted in recent years from relying on direct human observation to more nuanced approaches that integrate computational methods from artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. While conventional methods introduce bias and can fail to capture the complexity of rodent social interactions, modern approaches bridging computer vision, ethology, and neuroscience provide more multifaceted insights into behavior, which are particularly relevant to social neuroscience. Despite these benefits, integrating AI into social behavior research also poses several challenges. Here, we discuss the main steps involved and the tools available for analyzing rodent social behavior, examining their advantages and limitations. Additionally, we suggest practical solutions to address common hurdles, aiming to guide young investigators in adopting these methods and to stimulate further discussion among researchers regarding the evolving requirements of these tools in scientific applications.