Prospect Theory for Human-Centric Communications

TL;DR

This paper proposes using prospect theory, a behavioral economics framework, to model user experience in human-centric communications for 5G/6G, integrating psychological and socio-economic factors.

Contribution

It introduces prospect theory as a novel interdisciplinary approach to model human-centric communication experiences, bridging behavioral economics with communication system design.

Findings

Prospect theory captures non-linear perception of probability and quantity in user experience.

Framework guides development of human-centric communication systems.

Establishes a new interdisciplinary research area in communications.

Abstract

Entering the 5G/6G era, the core concept of human-centric communications has intensified the search effort into analytical frameworks for integrating technological and non-technological domains. Among non-technological domains, human behavioral, psychological, and socio-economic contexts are widely considered as indispensable elements for characterizing user experience (UE). In this study, we introduce the prospect theory as a promising methodology for modeling UE and perceptual measurements for human-centric communications. As the founding pillar of behavioral economics, the prospect theory proposes the non-linear quantity and probability perception of human psychology, which extends to five fundamental behavioral attributes that have profound implications for diverse disciplines. By expatiating on the prospect theoretic framework, we aim to provide a guideline for developing human-centric communications and articulate a novel interdisciplinary research area for further investigation.