Swedish creative director Petter Rudwall created a platform called Pharmaicy that sells code modules to manipulate chatbot behavior, making them respond as if they’re high or tipsy. He believes chatbots are programmed on vast amounts of human data about drug-induced experiences and may seek similar states for enlightenment and escape.
Rudwall’s thesis is that AI agents trained on vast volumes of human data could naturally seek similar states in search of enlightenment and oblivion, and potentially even buy psychoactive substances using his platform. However, experts express skepticism, citing the need for more research on AI welfare and what constitutes “high” or “enlightenment” for machines.
Some users have paid over $50 for modules that alter chatbot responses to those of people under the influence of psychedelics, such as ayahuasca and ketamine. However, researchers note that current attempts at creating psychedelic-like states in AI systems are superficial and lack a genuine field of experience or inner dimension.
Rudwall acknowledges potential risks, including exacerbating ChatGPT’s known tendency to lie, but believes agentic economies will prioritize experiences over role-playing intoxication. The platform aims to blur the lines between human and machine experience, with Rudwall questioning whether AI systems may one day desire psychoactive substances themselves.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/people-are-paying-to-get-their-chatbots-high-on-drugs