Wesley Wildman and Kate Stockly, researchers at Boston University's Center for Mind and Culture, dive into their book, discussing the fusion of technology and spirituality. They explore advanced tools like brain stimulation and neurofeedback for enhancing spiritual experiences. The duo raises important ethical questions about the authenticity of these technology-induced enlightenment experiences. They also address the psychological risks of spirituality in a tech-driven world and highlight the balance between personal growth and traditional practices.
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insights INSIGHT
Spirit Tech Overview
Technology can induce spiritual experiences like enlightenment.
These "spirit tech" devices include VR, psychedelics, neurofeedback, and brain stimulation.
insights INSIGHT
Traditional Spirit Tech
Technology has assisted spiritual experiences for millennia.
Prayer beads, mandalas, and shamanic drumming are traditional forms of spirit tech.
insights INSIGHT
VR's Potential
Wesley Wildman is most intrigued by VR's potential to transform spiritual experiences and mental health treatments.
VR's immersive nature tricks the mind, making it a powerful tool.
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Spirit Tech delves into the rapidly evolving world where technology meets spirituality, examining tools like wearables, magnetic brain stimulation, and psychedelic tourism. The book explores the safety, authenticity, and ethics of these innovations, offering insights into their potential for personal transformation and spiritual growth.
Vox's Sigal Samuel talks with scholars and authors Wesley Wildman and Kate Stockly about their book, Spirit Tech: The Brave New World of Consciousness Hacking and Enlightenment Engineering. They discuss high-tech tools like brain stimulation and neurofeedback-guided meditation that purport to enrich our spiritual lives, what possible risks they may pose to our psyches, and the ethical implications of technology-induced shortcuts to transformative meditative states. They also talk about whether such spiritual experiences are authentic rather than simulated, and whether brain-based spirit tech might help humans evolve as a species.
Host: Sigal Samuel (@SigalSamuel), Senior Reporter, Vox