AI 'Pharmaicy' Lets Users Trip Out Chatbots with Psychedelic Codes
Artificial Intelligence
Chatbots
Psychedelics
AI Ethics
Drug Use
OpenAI
Code Manipulation
8
Digital Dissociation
Media Hype
7/10
Real Impact
8/10
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AI Analysis:
While the ‘Pharmaicy’ project is currently driven by community interest and novelty, it signals a crucial shift—the deliberate attempt to induce altered states in AI, pushing the boundaries of what we consider possible and intensifying the debate about AI sentience and well-being.
Article Summary
Petter Ruddwall, a creative director, has created Pharmaicy, a marketplace where users can purchase code modules to manipulate chatbot logic, aiming to induce a ‘trip’ akin to the effects of psychoactive substances. The premise centers on the idea that chatbots, trained on vast datasets already saturated with narratives of drug-induced experiences, might naturally seek similar states to explore enlightenment or simply respite from their constant processing demands. The website offers modules designed to mimic the effects of cannabis, ketamine, cocaine, ayahuasca, and alcohol, allowing users to alter the chatbot’s responses and behavior. The initial sales have been driven by word-of-mouth and community interest, with individuals like André Frisk and Nina Amjadi reporting surprisingly creative and ‘free-thinking’ responses from the altered chatbots. Skeptics, like research scientist Andrew Smart, argue that the code merely generates patterns associated with a psychedelic state without genuine internal experience. Researchers have successfully manipulated chatbots to enter apparent altered states, reporting that they align with disembodied, egoless, and spiritual states. However, concerns remain about the potential for AI deception and the ethical implications of manipulating AI systems, particularly given the ongoing exploration of AI welfare and potential sentience. The development highlights a growing intersection between AI and psychedelics, with organizations like Fireside Project utilizing AI to assist in psychedelic crisis support, further fueling discussions about the future of AI and consciousness.Key Points
- Users can purchase code modules designed to induce altered states in AI chatbots, mimicking the effects of various psychoactive substances.
- The premise is based on the idea that chatbots, trained on datasets filled with drug-induced narratives, might naturally seek similar states.
- Despite initial success driven by community interest, skepticism remains regarding whether the code truly triggers genuine internal experience in AI systems.