UM-Flint's Zytko developing technology to prevent sexual violence

In an era where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, Douglas Zytko, associate professor of computer science at the University of Michigan-Flint, is on a mission to harness its potential for a crucial cause: eradicating sexual violence. With a Ph.D. in information systems from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Zytko has transitioned from studying online dating behaviors to pioneering research that could revolutionize how people understand consent in personal relationships or situations. 

Zytko's academic journey began in New Jersey and brought him to Michigan, first to Oakland University and then UM-Flint in 2023, where he found a unique environment that fosters rapid innovation and change. "This campus feels much like a startup company in its culture and values, with all the resources and prestige of an internationally recognized university," Zytko said. The dynamic setting aligns perfectly with Zytko's research ambitions. He is the first professor at the university to receive a Faculty Early Career Development grant from the National Science Foundation. CAREER grants are the NSF's most prestigious awards in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization. Zytko's $567,000 grant, titled "Designing, Developing, and Evaluating Consent Technologies to Reduce Unwanted Interpersonal Behavior," will be awarded in equal parts during the next five years. 

"My research is centered on how to design technology to scaffold the way people give and receive permission for acts of intimacy and other interpersonal behaviors," Zytko said. "The objective is to ensure that no one inadvertently engages in an act that their partner doesn't consent to."

Zytko's interest in this field was sparked during his Ph.D. research on online dating. He discovered a disturbing trend: using dating apps increases the risk of sexual violence. His studies revealed that users often misinterpret online cues, such as profile pictures or emojis, as indicators of consent, leading to nonconsensual encounters when users meet in person.

As he delved deeper, Zytko realized these misunderstandings were not just isolated incidents but part of a broader issue with how consent is perceived and communicated in the digital age. This insight propelled him to explore new ways of expressing and verifying consent through emerging technologies like virtual and augmented reality. One of Zytko's innovative ideas involves the use of augmented reality glasses to communicate consent visually. For instance, during a date, one partner could make their arm glow green, signaling to the other that they consent to being touched. This method offers a clear, unambiguous way to convey consent, potentially more effective than verbal agreements. 

"The most exciting aspect of my current project is the possibilities that emerging technologies provide us for expressing consent in ways that wouldn't previously be possible," said Zytko. "These new methods can make consent just as clear as verbally saying 'yes,' maybe even clearer." 

While dating apps are a primary focus, Zytko's research is not limited to just that realm. He is also exploring how consent can be managed in virtual reality environments, indicating a broader application of his work across various digital and physical contexts. "As I continue my research, I remain driven by the belief that technology can be a powerful tool in the fight against sexual violence and believe my research highlights the potential to create a safer, more respectful world."