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by Razengan 3732 days ago
> It seems probable that such neural implant tech and automation could be created long before a practical interstellar travel solution is created, which would also be a depressing, but realistic explanation for the Fermi paradox.

So everyone out there is basically sleeping in their beds? :)
2 comments
NathanKP 3732 days ago
That'd be my guess. The tech wouldn't even have to be that sophisticated to be the most addictive thing ever, unfortunately.

Your brain already has the ability to hallucinate worlds very vividly (in fact it does so every night when you sleep). All you need is a device that keeps you sleeping and dreaming, while periodically triggering your brain to dump a bunch of dopamine.

Maybe I'm just too nihilistic, but the way I see the only thing that truly motivates people is that dopamine reward loop in the brain. All the things people enjoy: work and invention, eating, sex, art, even religion are only enjoyable because our brain rewards us by releasing some chemicals in our brains when we participate in them.

Now imagine a neural implant that makes you feel like you simultaneously ate a great meal, had the best orgasm of your life, and did the best work of your life. And you can get this basically free without any real work. There would probably be 100% addiction rate on this thing. Anyone who tried it would be forever ruined on reality.

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jackmodern 3732 days ago
"Now imagine a neural implant that makes you feel like you simultaneously ate a great meal, had the best orgasm of your life, and did the best work of your life"

It's called acid, and other psychedelics. Sure, people get addicted to it, but not a huge number percentage wise.

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ars 3732 days ago
> Sure, people get addicted to it, but not a huge number percentage wise.

Is that because they don't get addicted, or because they don't try it?

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garrettgrimsley 3732 days ago
No, their rotting corpse is laying there, and there are no children or grandchildren there to mourn them (or carry on the existence of the species) because they never had any offspring. As Cubano said, I don't think this is too likely. Some people would see what's happening and simply never hook up.
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