The Secret History and Unwritten Future of Psychedelics and Technology
Apr 10, 2024
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Dr. Julie Holland, DJ Spooky, and others discuss the historical ties between psychedelics and the internet. They explore balancing tech and creativity, the impact of psychedelics on Silicon Valley, and the challenges of commercializing psychedelics. The conversation extends to AI, nature vs. technology, and the need for regulatory measures in the cannabis industry.
Psychedelics promote creativity and playfulness, contrasting the tech industry's utilitarian mindset.
AI views hallucinations as errors, in contrast to psychedelics seeing them as mind-expanding experiences.
Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly interested in using psychedelics for therapy and neuroplasticity.
The digital age impacts mental health, emphasizing the need for genuine connection over synthetic community.
Deep dives
Psychedelics and Technology Intersection
The podcast episode delves into the intersection of psychedelics and technology, discussing how the tech industry can learn from psychedelics' emphasis on balance and playfulness. It explores the concept that the current internet environment is like a bad trip due to its focus on surveillance and control, highlighting the need for a remix in the Silicon Valley ethos. The discussion touches on psychedelics' potential to inspire creativity and play, contrasting the utilitarian mindset of the tech industry. It also raises questions about the set and setting for technology deployment and rethinking the importance of being in one's body.
Challenges with AI and Hallucination
The podcast covers the topic of artificial intelligence and the perception of hallucinations. It contrasts the definition of hallucinations in the psychedelic world, where experiences are considered real and mind-expanding, with the AI context, where hallucinations are seen as errors or mistakes. The conversation delves into the philosophical aspect of AI and the implications of neural networks finding the most probable solutions, potentially moving towards regression to the mean.
Pharmaceutical Market Dynamics and Psychedelics
The episode discusses the evolving dynamics of the pharmaceutical industry with regards to psychedelics. It mentions the growing interest of pharmaceutical companies in psychedelic research, particularly focusing on therapeutic applications such as neuroplasticity for neurological illnesses. The conversation touches upon the transdiagnostic nature of psychedelics and the shift towards therapy-focused approaches rather than occasional use, highlighting the potential for chronic treatment in certain conditions.
Global Challenges and Emotional Impact
The podcast reflects on the emotional impact of global events and the overwhelming amount of information available in the digital age. It discusses how the current state of the world, filled with uncertainties and crises, affects individuals' mental health. The conversation emphasizes the need for genuine connection, safety, and a sense of community, contrasting the synthetic approximation of community often facilitated by technology. It also touches on the challenges of navigating anxiety, depression, and trauma in a world inundated with information.
Science, Human Experience, and Market Influences
The episode explores the portrayal of humanity through the lenses of science, arts, and the pharmaceutical market. It raises questions about finding a balance between pharmaceutical solutions for mental health and a more holistic approach to well-being. The discussion delves into the societal norms around treating emotional states with medication and provokes thoughts on redefining citizenship and personal fulfillment in the modern era amidst incandescent cynicism and market-driven influences.
The Impact of Digital Technology and Psychedelics on Society
Digital technology and psychedelics have both significantly influenced society, shaping new experiences and challenges. The podcast discusses how the rapid advancement of digital technology has led to a science fictional realm, reminiscent of past expectations. It also highlights the concern that exponential market growth, whether in AI, algorithms, or psychedelics, may lead to unsustainable outcomes, emphasizing the need for mindful development.
Lessons from Silicon Valley for the Emerging Psychedelics Industry
Drawing parallels with the evolution of Silicon Valley, the episode explores the potential pitfalls faced by the emerging psychedelics industry. It notes the historical distancing of programmers from users in computer technology, urging a balance between accessible innovation and monopolistic control. The importance of decentralized, open-source frameworks is emphasized to prevent monopolization of the psychedelics market.
The Intersection of Technology, Humanity, and Nature
The conversation delves into the interplay between technology, humanity, and nature, reflecting on the current societal disconnect. Participants share concerns about the dehumanizing impact of excessive technology use, advocating for a return to human connections and nature. They contemplate the need for a societal reboot centered around holistic well-being and connection, challenging the prevailing culture of isolation and technological dependence.
Dr. Julie Holland, Paul D. Miller (DJ Spooky), Ken Jordan, and Rushkoff discuss the psychedelic origins of the internet the way tech bros want to monopolize psychedelics as an industry. This conversation was recorded at The Athenæum on January 24, 2024.
Dr. Julie Holland is an author and psychiatrist/psychopharmacologist. She was formerly a weekend attending physician at Bellevue Hospital’s Psych ER. While now a medical advisor to MAPS, she was a medical monitor for several clinical studies examining the efficacy of using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy or cannabis in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She sits on multiple scientific advisory boards and is available for forensic consultations.
About DJ Spooky:
Paul D. Miller, aka DJ Spooky, is currently Artist in Residence at Yale University Center for Collaborative Arts and Media (2023-2024, extended). He is a composer, multimedia artist, and writer whose work engages audiences in a blend of genres, global culture, and environmental and social issues. Miller has collaborated with an array of recording artists, including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Metallica, Chuck D from Public Enemy, Steve Reich, and Yoko Ono amongst many others. His 2018 album, DJ Spooky Presents: Phantom Dancehall, debuted at #3 on Billboard Reggae.
About Ken Jordan
Ken Jordan is co-founder, editorial director and CEO of Lucid News. He has been a pioneer in progressive, conscious culture for decades. In 2007 he co-founded the consciousness network Evolver and its online journal Reality Sandwich, which he edited until 2019. At Evolver he produced podcasts, live events and online courses with many of the leading figures of the psychedelic movement, and in 2016 Ken co-founded the company's botanical dispensary, The Alchemist's Kitchen, in Manhattan.
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