DailyDirt: Stuff That Literally Changes The Way We Think
from the urls-we-dig-up dept
The human mind is often described using computer terminology — with the mind as the software running on our soggy brain hardware. The analogy breaks down in many ways, especially since our brains don’t actually execute instructions like CPUs do. However, there are still plenty of folks trying to “hack” our wetware to improve — or just change — the way we think. Here are a few quick links on ways to change the way people think.
- Experiments with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can turn people into Rain-Man-esque idiot savants. There’s a new movie adaptation for Flowers for Algernon somewhere here…. [url]
- Metaphors are influential to how we interpret and understand all kinds of concepts. Hopefully, the “planetary” description of atomic structures is being phased out in science. [url]
- Monogamy in mammals could be turned on/off with some chemicals. Pharma labs are probably working on love potions that don’t involve little blue pills. [url]
- One of these “love” chemicals, oxytocin, can also make people more trusting and cooperative. Results may vary. If gullibility lasts more than 4 hours, consult a doctor. [url]
- To discover more interesting articles on the human mind, check out what’s currently floating around the StumbleUpon universe. [url]
By the way, StumbleUpon can recommend some good Techdirt articles, too.
Filed Under: brain, metaphor, mind, oxytocin, tms, transcranial magnetic stimulation
Comments on “DailyDirt: Stuff That Literally Changes The Way We Think”
Since I’m the first one I will just have to quote it and say what every one is thinking.
“Symptoms of borderline personality disorder include severe insecurity about relationships, fears of abandonment and constant, needy reassurance-seeking from partners.
Borderline personality disorder usually occurs in women”
They needed a study it find that out?
All seriousness TMS is cool and I’m glad that more is being done with it.
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Yup. We’ll all be wearing TMS-hats someday… 😛
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Remember – shiny side out, this is very important
http://zapatopi.net/afdb/build.html
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That site is great.
“Prolong staring at this static DePsych display may result in memory fragmentation and involuntary hypertelekinesis.”
The sad thing, is I don’t believe it intends to be parody.
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“Unlike Windows, Linux doesn’t contain the hidden mind-control software known as Direct Retro-Memetics (DRM), which are designed to implant engrams into your brain much like how a retrovirus plants its DNA into a cell’s nucleus.”
“If you would like to get Linux up and running on your computer so you can run MindGuard and protect yourself from the forces of mind control, contact your local Linux Users Group (LUG). Ask for Tony and make sure you say you want the “MindGuard special”.”
Okay, Now I’m certain it’s parody.
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“…make sure you say you want the “MindGuard special”.”
Comes with free tinfoil hat.
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“…make sure you say you want the “MindGuard special”.”
Comes with free tinfoil hat.
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‘Borderline personality disorder usually occurs in women”
They needed a study it find that out?’
Great. Possibly the only Daily Dirt article I’ve clicked on and the comments section starts with a sexist joke. Cruel cosmic not-irony!