HCI & Futures Studies
Sociotechnical Imaginaries of Digitally Altered Minds in 2050: Functions, Citizens, and Societal Tensions
This paper explores collective anticipations regarding Digitally Induced Altered States of Consciousness (DIAL) using participatory futures workshops. It identifies societal functions, citizen archetypes, and tensions around DIAL technologies. The study highlights DIAL as a tool for human capability expansion and its potential societal implications, including control, escapism, and the redefinition of human experience, providing a framework for future research and design.
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Expansion
Primary Anticipated Function of DIAL
The study reveals that DIAL technologies are primarily imagined to expand or augment human capabilities and experiences. This includes restoring access to lost experiences (e.g., nature post-catastrophe) and enabling entirely new functions like programming dreams. This aligns with a broader trend of mind-expanding technologies, linking DIAL to synthetic psychedelics and biofeedback advancements.
Beyond expansion, participants also conceived of DIAL serving functions of Containment, where powerful companies or political entities control individuals or populations, and Displacement, enabling complete immersion into digital worlds or redefining human existence through digital immortality.
DIAL technologies are anticipated to shape distinct citizen archetypes. The Dreamer becomes an escapist, seeking comfort and retreating from social environments. The Transcendent uses DIAL for self-improvement, spiritual elevation, and enhanced mental capabilities.
Further archetypes include the Post-Human, re-engineered or digitally immortal individuals; the Citizen-Cog, servile citizens controlled for optimization; and the Rebel/Hacker, who repurpose DIAL to resist controlling entities, forming communities of resistance.
| Archetype | Key Characteristics | DIAL Interaction |
|---|---|---|
| Dreamer | Escapist, comfort-seeker, reclusive |
|
| Transcendent | Self-improving, spiritually elevated |
|
| Citizen-Cog | Optimized, controlled, servile |
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| Rebel/Hacker | Subversive, resistant, community-focused |
|
The study identifies six key societal tensions arising from DIAL adoption: Control vs. Autonomy, Escape vs. Engagement, Progress vs. Dehumanisation, Authenticity vs. Simulation, Unification vs. Fragmentation, and Runaway vs. Predictable Tech.
DIAL Societal Impact Flow
DIAL Adoption
→
Expansion of Human Capabilities
→
Progress/Dehumanization
→
Unification/Fragmentation
→
Societal Transformation or Conflict
Black Mirror Episode: Common People Analogy
The absence of addiction in DIAL scenarios is notable, contrasting with many digital technologies. However, the 'Black Mirror' episode Common People offers an illustrative analogy where DIAL technology leads to complete dependence and artificial pleasure, highlighting potential risks not explicitly present in participant narratives. This suggests a potential 'wild card' scenario or an oversight in current anticipations.
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Your Strategic Implementation Roadmap
A phased approach to integrate DIAL insights and AI solutions effectively, ensuring ethical development and maximum impact.
Phase 1: Foundational Research & Ethics
Initiate comprehensive ethical guidelines and interdisciplinary research to understand the long-term cognitive and societal impacts of DIAL. Focus on transparent development and user consent frameworks. (Months 1-6)
Phase 2: Pilot Development & Controlled Trials
Develop and test initial DIAL prototypes in controlled environments with clear medical or wellness applications. Gather user feedback on altered states experiences and potential side effects. (Months 7-18)
Phase 3: Public Engagement & Policy Dialogue
Launch public education campaigns and engage policymakers in discussions about responsible DIAL integration. Address concerns regarding control, autonomy, and potential social fragmentation. (Months 19-30)
Phase 4: Scaled Deployment & Continuous Monitoring
Gradually deploy DIAL technologies with robust monitoring systems for user well-being and societal impact. Establish adaptive regulatory frameworks to address emerging challenges. (Months 31+)
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