We trained a neural network to predict which video gives you goosebumps — and what that says about your emotional biology.
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Neuroimaging studies show that aesthetic chills activate the brain's dopaminergic reward pathway — the same circuits involved in pleasure, motivation, and memory. But whether you get them, and from what, depends on who you are. Your emotional tendencies, personality, and your state right now all predict your response with about 80% accuracy. That means the video most likely to give you goosebumps isn't random: it can be found.
Personality, emotional state, basic demographics. These are the variables that predict your chills response in the published research.
A model trained on 3,000+ participants selects your best match from 40 stimuli independently validated to trigger chills across large populations.
See your personality breakdown, what your result reveals about your reward sensitivity, and how you compare to others matched to the same video.
Five-minute questionnaire. Instant results.
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Study Title
Effects of AI-Generated Chills-Eliciting Audio on Depression, Anxiety, and Early Maladaptive Schemas
Key Information
You are invited to participate in a research study conducted by the Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies.
This study examines the effects of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated chills-eliciting audio on depression, anxiety, and early maladaptive schemas—negative belief patterns formed early in life.
Purpose of the Study
This study aims to determine whether AI-generated chills-eliciting audio can reduce depressive and anxious symptoms and modify early maladaptive schemas.
Participants will be randomly assigned (like a coin flip) to one of two groups:
Each session includes a 15-minute audio exposure surrounded by baseline and post-questionnaire periods.
Note: The "Chills Engine" is investigational, not FDA-approved, and not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition.
Online Study Procedures
If you qualify through our screening survey, you will gain access to a secure web portal for data collection.
Compensation: $15/hour via Prolific.
While this may feel therapeutic, the study is not a substitute for professional treatment. If distress occurs, contact study staff for referral to mental health resources.
Technology
Tasks
Some participants may complete a brief computerized task involving rapid identification of animal images to earn points. The task tests focus and decision-making speed.
On-Site Study Procedures
Eligible participants will attend sessions at:
2811 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 510, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Total time: ~1.5 hours per visit; up to 42 sessions for extended programs.
Potential Benefits
Potential Risks
If you experience distress:
Participant Responsibilities
You must:
Do not participate if under the influence of substances, ill, or experiencing symptoms such as nausea, headache, or sleep deprivation.
Exclusion Criteria
Do not participate if you have or are experiencing:
Participants must be 21+ years old and employed (full or part-time).
Alternatives to Participation
The only alternative is not to participate in this study.
New Findings
If new information arises that could affect your decision to continue, you will be notified by email prior to your next session.
Payment
Privacy and Confidentiality
Only authorized research staff will have access to your identity.
Data will be:
Regulatory authorities (FDA, IRB, etc.) may inspect records for compliance.
Intended Use of Data
Data will be analyzed to assess the effects of AI-generated audio on depression, anxiety, and schemas.
De-identified results may be used for:
Voluntary Participation
Your participation is entirely voluntary.
You may withdraw anytime without penalty or loss of benefits.
The study may also stop your participation if:
All data collected prior to withdrawal may still be used.
Compensation for Injury
If injured, seek medical attention immediately.
There are no funds reserved for treatment costs.
You retain full legal rights to pursue compensation through appropriate channels.
Bill of Rights
You have been provided with a copy of the California Experimental Research Subject's Bill of Rights, summarizing your protections as a participant in medical research.
Agreement to Participate
Please read the statement below carefully before proceeding.
By clicking "I Accept" at the bottom of this page, you acknowledge that:
By selecting "I Accept", you give your informed consent to participate in the study:
"Effects of AI-Generated Chills-Eliciting Audio on Depression, Anxiety, and Early Maladaptive Schemas."
Whom to Contact
For any study-related questions, concerns, or emergencies, contact:
Principal Investigator: (310) 907-9216
For questions about your rights as a research participant, contact:
Advarra IRB Study Subject Adviser
Or contact:
California Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects
If you participate, the study team will use and share certain health data about you, including:
This information may be shared with:
Your health data will be used to conduct and oversee the study. Once shared, it may no longer be protected under federal law.
Your permission to share data expires 50 years after signing unless revoked sooner by written request.
If revoked:
You may not access your health data during the study, but access will be restored after it concludes.
Under California Health & Safety Code Section 24172, you are entitled to:
Statement of Authorization
I have read this authorization and understand its contents.
I voluntarily consent to the collection, use, and sharing of my health data for this study.
I have read and understand the information above.
I have had the opportunity to ask questions, which were answered to my satisfaction.
I voluntarily agree to participate in this study.
Scroll and review the entire consent before continuing.