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

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

On 2 February 2026, Professor Xin Lyu, a professor at the Communication University of China and Director of the Digital Human Research Institute, delivered a seminar titled “Generative AI and Digital Humans: Exploring the New Frontiers of Empathetic Media” in the Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK). Professor Lyu is a recipient of the First Prize in the National Teaching Achievement Awards, the 2023 Technology Innovation Rainbow Award, and the Best Digital Creativity Award from the Asia Youth Animation & Digital Arts Competition. The seminar was co-organized by ArtX Hong Kong Institute (ArtX HK) and the Department of Media and Communication, CityUHK.

During the seminar, Professor Lyu explored how generative AI, affective computing, and digital human technologies are turning media from passive information channels into intelligent and empathetic systems. He introduced empathetic media through intelligent digital humans, explaining that integrating large language models, affective AI, and multimodal expression enables digital humans to achieve emotional resonance, transforming digital shells into engaging interactive partners. Drawing on case studies, he also discussed the technical architecture, ethical challenges, and future of human-AI emotional interaction.

Faculty and doctoral students engaged with Professor Lyu in a Q&A session, sparking a lively and thought-provoking academic dialogue.